"Despite the defeat in the East, Kovac switched the formation at halftime to one featuring a Dreierkette ("back three"), which better suited the squad at his disposal, bringing greater stability. Little did we know we were watching the start of a noticeable BVB metamorphosis under a coach with bags of top-level experience and know-how, yet was somehow viewed as something of an underwhelming journeyman."
"At first, it appeared to be a short-term arrangement that could get Dortmund through until the end of a perplexing campaign. However, from the depths of despair, Kovac's team rocketed to the heights of ecstasy as they went on a fabulous run of seven wins and one draw (away to champions Bayern Munich) to clinch not only a European spot, but UEFA Champions League football on the final day, no less."
The RB Leipzig match on March 15 served as the turning point when Borussia Dortmund lost 2-0 and sat 11th with eight weeks remaining. Kovac responded by switching to a Dreierkette (back three) at halftime, a formation that better matched the squad and increased defensive stability. That tactical change initiated a dramatic run of seven wins and one draw, including a draw away at Bayern Munich, which culminated in UEFA Champions League qualification on the final day. RB Leipzig ultimately missed continental competition for the first time since 2016, and both clubs are now positioned as Bayern hunters.
Read at ESPN.com
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