Kovac admits line-up changes were crucial for defeat at Bodø/Glimt

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac admitted that his line-up changes for the Champions League match against Bodø/Glimt on Wednesday were a key factor for the team's first defeat of the season.

The coach made five changes to his starting team, including Fábio Silva for Serhou Guirassy and Samuele Inacio for Nathan Nwaneri.

"We weren't even in the game until we conceded the goal. In the first half, we lacked passion and intensity. We didn't play the kind of football that is needed in order to win here," Kovac told broacaster DAZN after the 1-0 defeat.

"It wasn't until the four substitutions that we found our way into the game better and took control. Up to that point, though, the opposition was clearly the better side. We deserved to lose the game."

Frederik Sjøvold scored the winner for the Norwegians in the 52nd minute. Kovac then made some substitutions and brought on Guirassy and Nwaneri, as well as Julian Ryerson and Felix Nmeche.

"After conceding the goal, we started to actually play football. In the end, we had chances to tie it up at 1-1," defender Waldemar Anton said. 

Kovac, meanwhile, expressed his disappointment with the players that started but didn't deliver a good performance.

"Every single player in the squad has the opportunity to play, and the quality to do so. That didn’t work out today. I have to say that very clearly."