Borussia Dortmund coach hails Barcelona’s attack as the ‘best’ ahead of UCL clash

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac made it clear in an interview with Sky Germany (h/t SPORT) that he considers Barcelona’s attacking play the best in the world right now.

As his side prepares to face Barça in the Champions League quarter-finals, he also took the chance to reflect on his friendship with the Catalans coach Hansi Flick and assistant Toni Tapalovic.

“The current Barça, in terms of attack, is NonPlusUltra – the absolute top. It makes things very, very difficult,” Kovac said, making no secret of the challenge ahead.

He also recalled shared history with Flick, going back to their time at Salzburg when Kovac was still a player and Flick was briefly on the coaching staff.

“I’m happy to see Hansi again. We met at Salzburg, and later at Bayern, where Toni Tapalovic was also an assistant,” he said.

Despite working for rival clubs now, Kovac emphasized the depth of their relationship, saying:

“It’s more than just sending birthday wishes. We talk often, exchange ideas. I’m happy when I see others succeed. That’s how it should be.”

Heading into the game, Kovac knows Dortmund are not favourites in this tie, but he brings a determined mindset.

“It’s never good to give up – you always have to keep going,” he said, repeating a personal mantra that has defined his career.

Barcelona have yet to lose a single game in 2025 in all competitions and as such they go into Wednesday’s clash at the Montjuic Stadium as overwhelming favourites.

The fact that Borussia Dortmund are without some important players, including Nico Schlotterbeck, through injuries further stacks the odds against the Bundesliga giants.