New coach and players for Dortmund in Bundesliga. More concerns in defense for leader Bayern

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Niko Kovac is introduced as Borussia Dortmund’s new coach at a press conference at Iduna Park media center, in Dortmund, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (Bernd Thissen/dpa via AP)

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Bayern’s head coach Vincent Kompany gestures during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and Holstein Kiel at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

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Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick is celebrated by his team after scoring his side’s third goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and TSG Hoffenheim at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

By JAMES ELLINGWORTH

Borussia Dortmund has new coach Niko Kovac and some new players and needs to improve fast in the Bundesliga this weekend. Bayern Munich is first with a six-point lead over Bayer Leverkusen but can’t afford the lapses in concentration that saw Vincent Kompany’s team concede three late goals last week.

Key matchups

— Kovac has a tough first test against Stuttgart on Saturday and a Champions League playoff game at Sporting Lisbon next week. Dortmund is 11th but a three-point gap to Stuttgart in fifth means Kovac’s team could potentially overtake their opponents on goal difference. Stuttgart ended a three-game losing run by reaching the German Cup semifinals.

— Bayern hosts Werder Bremen on Friday ahead of its Champions League playoff against Celtic next week. Bayern’s defending is under scrutiny after conceding 10 goals in the last five games. A home loss to Bremen helped derail Bayern’s title bid last year.

— Expect a culture clash when St. Pauli hosts Leipzig on Sunday. St. Pauli’s activist fan base loathes Leipzig for its corporate backing from drinks giant Red Bull.

Not PARSE.LY: Niko Kovac

Then-Wolfsburg coach Niko Kovac gives instructions during the Bundesliga soccer match between VfL Wolfsburg and VfL Bochum at Vonovia Ruhrstadion stadium, Bochum, Germany, Saturday Dec. 2, 2023. (David Inderlied/dpa via AP, File)

Dortmund’s new coach Niko Kovač faces formidable challenge. New signings should help

Bayern's Thomas Muller, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal with Josip Stanisic during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Bayern Munich and Slovan Bratislava at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Jan. 29, 2025. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

Back to business for Bayern, which aims to build on 6-point Bundesliga lead

Wolfsburg's head coach Niko Kovac smiles prior to the Bundesliga soccer match between VfL Wolfsburg and VfB Stuttgart in Wolfsburg, Germany, Saturday, March 2, 2024. (Swen Pfoertner/dpa via AP, File)

Niko Kovac taking over as the coach of Borussia Dortmund

Players to watch

— Kovac’s hopes of a Dortmund turnaround could depend on midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka. He arrived on loan from Chelsea on Monday looking to get his career back on track after injuries. Dortmund reached the Champions League final last season with loan players Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen.

— Emi Buendia had a strange debut for Leverkusen on loan from Aston Villa. He came off the bench and helped set up a goal in a 3-1 win over Hoffenheim but was then substituted off again. Saturday’s game at Wolfsburg could clarify his role.

— Michy Batshuayi is back in the Bundesliga after signing for Eintracht Frankfurt from Galatasaray to replace Omar Marmoush. The Belgian striker could play on Saturday against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Injury list

— Midfielder Leon Goretzka returns for Bayern after missing out last week with a thigh issue. Wing back Alphonso Davies remains out with a hamstring injury. Kompany said two unnamed players have colds.

— Dortmund defender Niklas Süle is back in training after an ankle injury in December.

— Frankfurt’s new forward Elye Wahi didn’t face Wolfsburg last week but could play on Saturday.

Transfer news

— Bayern re-signed goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Davies, who announced his new deal with a rap, but forwards Leroy Sané and Thomas Müller are still on course to be free agents this summer and Jamal Musiala’s contract has a year to run. Young striker Mathys Tel left on loan for Tottenham on Monday.

— Dortmund signed three players on deadline day but only Chukwuemeka seems likely to be a regular starter. Rayan Cherki could have added spark to the midfield but Dortmund failed to sign him from Lyon.

What they’re saying

“What has happened isn’t important. What’s happening and what’s going to happen are the most important things in life and soccer.” — Dortmund coach Niko Kovac.

“It’s not easy to always be perfect as a person, but it’s a goal. It’s what we want to achieve.” — Bayern coach Vincent Kompany responds to a question about his team’s defense.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer