Back
16.09.2016Bundesliga

'Those years are amongst the best in my career'

Eintracht Frankfurt assistant coach Robert Kovac played for Bayer 04 from 1996 to 2001 where he scored one goal in 127 Bundesliga appearances. Between 1996 and 1999 he played for Leverkusen alongside his brother Nico. The duo now coach Eintracht Frankfurt, the next opponents for the Werkself. Robert spoke to bayer04.de about Tin Jedvaj, differences of opinion with his brother and his time at Leverkusen.
© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

Robert Kovac, are there times when you don't agree with your brother? Kovac: "Of course, there are times when we don't agree. But we talk about it and always end up agreeing."“

When you played together at Leverkusen you often shared a room for away matches. How do you remember your time at Bayer 04?    Kovac: "Those years at Bayer 04 are amongst the best in my career as a footballer. Not just because I played alongside my brother for three years but also because there was a huge and positive change in mood after almost being relegated."

Tin Jedvaj made his international debut under you as national coach. How do you assess his potential and development?
Kovac: "The potential is definitely there and he's very talented but he still has to keep on working and developing his game. Personally, I see him more as a central defender than as a full-back."„

Since March you've been together at Eintracht Frankfurt who were involved in a relegation battle last season. Your first task as a coach in the Bundesliga could easily have been more straightforward, couldn't it?
Kovac: "Of course, we would have preferred the season to have run more smoothly. But it was a very big challenge that we mastered together."

What have you learned from the difficult and the successful times?
Kovac: "That we managed to stay up despite the enormous pressure – and that with the support of our fans, everyone around us and the whole region."

How do you rate Eintracht's chances this season?
Kovac: "I think our chances of securing top-flight status early on are better this season."

15 years have gone by – Will the match in Leverkusen still be special for you?
Kovac: "They’re always special games because I still know people from here and I'm always happy to catch up with them again."

What do Eintracht need to do to win?
Kovac: "Very good luck, a united team performance and the support of our fans."

© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

Related News

Janou Levels im Duell mit Cornelia Kramer
Women - 10.05.2025

Bayer 04 Women end season with chance to play “freely and bravely” at Wolfsburg

Bayer 04 Women end their record-breaking season away at Wolfsburg on Sunday (kick-off: 2pm CEST). Although the Werkself know they will finish the campaign in fourth for their best-ever finish, head coach Roberto Pätzold has called on his team to produce one final big result.

Show more
Caroline Kehrer
Women - 10.05.2025

Caroline Kehrer and Charlotte Voll out injured

Bayer 04 Women will be without Caroline Kehrer and Charlotte Voll for the remainder of the season. Striker Kehrer suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during training, while goalkeeper Voll tore the syndesmosis in her right foot.

Show more
FC25_TOTS_Bundesliga_Motif_DesignTemp_16x9.jpg
Bayer 04 - 09.05.2025

Numerous Bayer 04 players in 2024/25 Team of the Season

Bayer 04 are again strongly represented in this year's Bundesliga Team of the Season from the games manufacturer EA Sports. Five Werkself players have been voted into the top XI for the 2024/25 season, a duo from the Bayer 04 Women's team are in the female Bundesliga TOTS. Bayer 04 were well represented last season with six male players in the top eleven, the most players from one club.

Show more
BVB
Bundesliga - 09.05.2025

Our next opponents: On course for a happy ending

A few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more