Kovac opens up about Jobe's tough Bundesliga start

When Jobe Bellingham came to Borussia Dortmund in June 2025 for a 30 million euros fee from Sunderland, everybody was happy. His older brother Jude was thrilled to see his brother following his footsteps, their parents were also pleased as they already knew the club, the executives and the city very well, the player was happy as he already saw himself making a big money move a few years later, and so did the BVB directors. Come January, nobody is happy. Jobe is not playing regularly, the sporting director already had an argument with player‘s father and a loan has already been mentioned as an option. What happened?

To ruin a child – arrogance of Bellingham’s parents

Well, according to his boss – nothing. He just needs time to settle properly, mainly due to the burden of Jude Bellingham. Jobe is yet to score in his 23 appearances this season. He also received a red card in Dortmund's last league match against Freiburg.

“My experience is that when a young player joins a new club - and this does vary - is that it can take three to six months to adapt. It takes time, but sometimes people are not fair and expect an immediate, big development. He's also coming from abroad, where the language and culture were different, and his brother was here, too, so there's that extra pressure around him“ he told The Athletic.

Jude at Madrid, Jobe at Paris? But not the one you're thinking of

In fact, not only Niko Kovač doesn‘t want to send him to loan, but he is looking to increase his playing time. The club sent Pascal Gross to loan instead (Brighton) and will not looking to add any midfielders. Kovač also emphasized Jobe‘s obsession with football.

“But I really like it. Not only because of how it helps him, but also because it pushes other players. Sometimes, I say to him that he shouldn't eat, drink and sleep football, because you need different things in your life to keep your mind free, but everything has been very positive. He's played in 23 games so far, and this is good for his development, I think. He's making steps forward all the time, and he will absolutely have a good career. I'm very happy with him. He's a top guy, and a very good player“ said the Croat.

BUNDESLIGA - MATCHDAY 16

Friday

22.30: (3.80) Eintr.Frankfurt (3.60) Dortmund (2.05)

Saturday

17.30: (1.80) Freiburg (3.70) Hamburger (5.00)

17.30: (3.00) Heidenheim (3.60) Koln (2.40)

17.30: (4.10) St.Pauli (3.50) RB Leipzig (1.90)

17.30: (2.20) Union Berlin (3.30) Mainz (3.40)

17.30: (3.00) Werder (3.70) Hoffenheim (2.35)

20.30: (1.95) Leverkusen (4.10) Stuttgart (3.65)

Sunday

17.30: (1.90) M' gladbach (3.60) Augsburg (4.50)

19.30: (1.15) Bayern (10.5) Wolfsburg (17.0)

***odds are subject to change***