by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac says his priority is unlocking players' potential and lifting morale as his side rides a perfect week into Tuesday's German Cup tie against Bayer Leverkusen.
Fresh from a 4-0 UEFA Champions League win over Villarreal and a 2-1 league victory away to Leverkusen, Kovac said he is gaining a clearer feel for what the team and individuals need each day. He also moved quickly to defuse tension around forwards Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy, whose form has picked up with the coach's backing.
"He doesn't know about his full abilities, some of which seem hidden deep inside him. I must remind him of them every day," the former Bayern and Frankfurt coach said of Adeyemi. Kovac added that Adeyemi is blessed by "god's kiss."
After Guirassy ignored a handshake following his 61st-minute substitution, Kovac embraced him at full time. "I told him how important he is for the team and me. He is my favorite box striker."
Kovac said the squad is growing together and has "collected a fair bit of confidence" ahead of the Cup meeting on home soil. He called Saturday's win in Leverkusen a statement of intent, noting the side "proved we want to win the thing despite things getting difficult in the dying minutes." ■