Dortmund coach Niko Kovac cancels ZDF interview after co‑Coach Peter hermann’s death

Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac called off a scheduled ZDF interview on Saturday evening after being informed that long‑time assistant Peter Hermann had died, just hours after Dortmund’s 1‑0 victory over Stuttgart that returned the club to the top of the Bundesliga table.

ZDF host Katrin Müller‑Hohenstein announced the cancellation during the live broadcast, explaining that Kovac received the tragic news moments before he was due to appear on the Aktuelles Sportstudio.

Hermann, 71, had built a résumé of more than 1,000 matches as a co‑coach for clubs such as Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Schalke 04, Hamburger SV, Bayer Leverkusen and the German national team, making him a respected figure in German football.

Visibly shaken, Kovac told reporters, “I am deeply saddened, a good man has left us,” adding that he had tried to speak with Hermann a month or two earlier but could not reach him.

He continued, “From me and my brother, the family’s sincere condolences. It’s a shock for all of us,” his voice breaking as he spoke with tears.

The sorrowful announcement quickly eclipsed the celebrations of Maximilian Beier’s decisive goal, which secured the three points and restored Dortmund to the league summit for the first time since May 2023.

Players and staff gathered briefly on the bench to honor Hermann, laying flowers before training resumed, while the club confirmed that his death was caused by an incurable illness.

Dortmund said a moment of silence will be observed at their next home match, and the club will issue further details about any tributes in the coming days.

The interview cancellation underscores the emotional weight the squad now carries into upcoming fixtures, including a Champions League clash with FC Bodø/Glimt.

Kovac concluded that the team will need “strength and unity” to maintain their momentum while coping with the loss, a sentiment echoed by several senior players during the post‑match debrief.