Kovac is set to take over the reins from interim boss Mike Tullberg, who took charge of three matches following Nuri Şahin’s dismissal last month. Tullberg started his temporary spell with a 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen, before he oversaw victories over Shakhtar Donetsk and Heidenheim in the Champions League and Bundesliga respectively.

Fresh from appointing Niko Kovac as coach, Borussia Dortmund can take a major first step towards salvaging their season with a top-four finish when they host Stuttgart on Saturday

The appointment of the Croatian represents a break from the norm at the Westfalenstadion but it might be the shock treatment this club needs