Borussia Dortmund have won all four of their Bundesliga matches this season and sit top of the table, although their approach has drawn criticism from supporters who remember the high-tempo football associated with Jürgen Klopp.
Ricken accepts that attacking football remains part of Dortmund’s identity, but believes results and defensive stability cannot be compromised.
“Of course, we want to play attractive and attacking football. At the same time, however, we will not give up our great strength in defence simply because, for example, we feel that a back four might occasionally help us more in attacking situations,” Ricken told Kicker.
He acknowledged that there is an emotional connection between Dortmund and the attacking style that has defined some of the club’s most successful periods. However, he sees little reason to apologise for winning matches without always producing spectacular performances.
“With more than 50 games per season, scrappy wins are just as important – and they bring exactly the same number of points,” Ricken said.
The results currently support that argument. Dortmund have made a perfect start to the Bundesliga campaign and are already ahead of Bayern Munich after four matches.
Kovac has also made an impressive statistical start to his tenure. After 50 Bundesliga matches in charge, he had collected 107 points, the best total any Dortmund coach has managed over that number of games. Thomas Tuchel and Lucien Favre are behind him on 105 and 106 respectively.
Ricken has previously praised Kovac for that record, while the club are also understood to have agreed terms on a contract extension for the Croatian.
The current results have therefore reduced the pressure created by criticism of Dortmund’s style. Ricken’s message is clear: attractive football remains desirable, but the club will not abandon the defensive foundations that have helped Kovac deliver results.
For now, the Bundesliga table gives Dortmund little reason to change course. Kovac’s team are winning, scoring enough to collect maximum points and conceding only twice in their opening four league games.
That balance between ambition and pragmatism is likely to remain central as Dortmund continue their season.