The coach of Borussia Dortmundthe Croatian Niko Kovac, He has cataloged as “superstar” to the Spanish central Sergio Ramos, Captain of the 'Rayados' of Monterreyteam with which the Germans will play a tie Eighth Final in the FIFA Club World Cup.
“It's a bit curious, you know? I am already a coach, and he is still a player. But hey, I think that in a few years he will also be a coach,” said Kovac, which in 2006 coincided with Sergio Ramosboth as players, in a friendly between Croatia and Spain for preparation for the World Cup in Germany.
It is a bit curious. I am already a coach, and he is still a player, but I think that in a few years he will also be a coach
“It's a superstar. And not only he, all players who have been active for so long. There are several right now. That demonstrates your mentality. They are winners. They want to win every training. They want to win every game, “said the Croatian.
“And that's why he yields as he does, and he is also healthy, which is also very important. For me, he is a leader. And as a leader, he wants to stay as long as possible “, added.
Sergio Ramos launches the first ball at the Dodgers-Padres
Kovac also remembered his World Cup clashes with Mexico,one in 2006 in Germany as a player and another in 2014 in Brazil as a coach, both won by Mexicans. In that 2014, the technician's words were controversial, who said that The Mexicans were “trembling” to measure Croatia.
Today, the Dortmund coach adopted a more conciliatory tone away from the controversies: “I like how Mexico plays. He plays with technique, but also with great intensity. And if necessary, it also plays hard. “
I like how Mexico plays. Play with technique, but also with great intensity
Finally, Kovac talked about the weather conditions that are affecting this tournament, with high temperatures and the suspension of six games for thunderstormsgenerating a controversial debate about the suitability of playing at this time of year in the United States, which in 2026 will host the World Cup.
“It's hard, especially for European teamsbecause we are not used to playing in these conditions: Humidity, heat, steam “said.
“When they water the grass, at first it seems good Because the ball rolls faster. But then the heat begins to leave from the ground, and it is like being in a sauna “he added.
At first, when they water the grass, it seems good, but then the heat begins to come out from the ground, and it is like being in a sauna “
Kovac thanked that tomorrow's game is played in an enclosure like the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, covered and heated: “We will not have to play 45 degrees Celsius.”
“We cannot control the climate, and climate change affects us allin Europe, in the United States, “he said.
