Borussia Dortmund are on the road to recovery. After three games without defeat, BVB can once again set their sights on the European places. Following Saturday's victory in Heidenheim - interim boss Mike Tullberg's last match in charge - new coach Niko Kovač can now get to work with a talented, confident squad.

The tension in Dortmund has been high of late. After the dismissal of head coach Nuri Şahin in the wake of the 2-1 Champions League defeat at FC Bologna, Dane Mike Tullberg took up the reins on an interim basis. The 39-year-old BVB U19 coach, who has been with the club for five and a half years, had to deal with a squad low on morale and one that had not been living up to its great potential. The only constant was the inconsistency that has traditionally troubled the the Black-and-Yellows.

The 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen in Tullberg's first match in charge was not exactly a game that enhanced confidence. But last week, the coach and his team managed to turn things around with a commanding 3-1 win in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk, followed up by a rousing win away to a spirited Heidenheim side on Matchday 20. Thanks to goalscorer Serhou Guirassy and Tullberg's timely introduction of Maximilian Beier, Dortmund won 2-1. It was BVB's first Bundesliga victory of 2025.

Watch: Tullberg helping the BVB cause 

Tullberg lets it all out

Immediately after the game, which ended with Heidenheim laying siege to Dortmund's goal for several long minutes, the pressure was lifted and the U19 coach ran towards the away section and let it all out in front of the Dortmund fans who had travelled with the team. The supporters lapped it up, celebrating Tullberg enthusiastically. The BVB players, who also made their way to the away end and grinning from ear to ear, were almost as jubilant. 

"They're an awkward opponent. It's about giving it your all and creating the best possible position for Niko (Kovač) and his coaching team," said Tullberg ahead of the match, before giving his thoughts after the final whistle. "We've managed to turn things around. The players covered a lot of ground and ran for each other. It wasn't all pretty. But the team is on track, alive and kicking."

Dortmund's insurance policy in recent weeks: Serhou Guirassy, who has scored five goals in his last four matches across all competitions. - IMAGO/Dennis Ewert/RHR-FOTO

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Turnaround

The turnaround that Tullberg has brought about in his week and a half in charge is quite impressive, especially given that the European places are now just two points away and the Champions League is still in their sights too. But it's the mental strength and confidence that the Dane has instilled that's really encouraging. Despite being a man down, Dortmund held out for a point against Bremen; and when they conceded against Shakhtar and Heidenheim, they held their nerve and clinched victory. 

In short, new head coach Kovač is taking charge of a super-talented squad who got their groove back under Tullberg's emphatic guidance. Now the club can look forward to the business end of the season.

"These three points are extremely important. We are still in the running. We have earned these results," said sporting director Sebastian Kehl, after the win in Heidenheim. "But the path must remain the same, and that will not change under Niko Kovač; we have to work hard and earn things. But anything is still possible."

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