Niko Kovac Defends Nico Schlotterbeck Amid Dortmund Contract Denial

Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac has defended defender Nico Schlotterbeck after the player publicly denied reports that he had reached a new contract agreement with the Bundesliga club.

The situation developed during the international break, when Schlotterbeck was forced to address media speculation claiming a lucrative new deal extending his stay through 2031 was imminent.

Speaking after Germany’s victory over Ghana, the 26-year-old defender confirmed that while negotiations are ongoing, no signatures have been put to paper. Schlotterbeck stated he was very surprised by the level of detail leaked to the press, which included specific figures regarding a potential release clause and a salary increase.

Kovac attributes confusion to media reporting

Niko Kovac has firmly placed the blame for the controversy on media outlets rather than the player. The head coach expressed frustration over the spread of misinformation and insisted that Schlotterbeck was merely reacting to external noise.

It wasn’t Schlotti who made the headlines, but those who spread rumours that simply weren’t true. Schlotti has the right to clarify things. He hasn’t done anything wrong.

Niko Kovac

Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken also supported the player’s decision to speak out. On April 1, 2026, Ricken stated that the club had confirmed neither a breakthrough nor an agreement, making the recent reporting surprising.

Ricken emphasized that the club’s primary objective remains securing a long-term commitment from the German centre-back.

Background on contract tensions

Schlotterbeck, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Freiburg in 2022, is currently under contract until 2027. He has become a central figure in the squad, recording 134 appearances, six goals, and 14 assists.

However, the player’s future has been a subject of speculation for several months. Reports from Bild on November 11, 2025, indicated growing tensions between Schlotterbeck and Kovac. These reports suggested the defender was unhappy with a pragmatic and unattractive style of football implemented by the coach, particularly following poor results against Hamburg, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich.

During that period in November 2025, it was reported that Dortmund was preparing a contract extension until 2030. The proposed terms allegedly included an annual salary increase of approximately €2.5 million, bringing his pay to at least €8 million per year, with performance bonuses potentially pushing the total package beyond €9 million.

The reported friction between the player and the coaching staff previously alerted other top European clubs. Both Liverpool and Bayern Munich were cited in November 2025 as having interest in the defender should he choose to snub Dortmund’s offer.

Despite these past reports of a rift, the current public support from both Kovac and Ricken indicates the club’s desire to resolve the contractual situation and maintain Schlotterbeck’s place in the squad.