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

Marc Landwehr
eSports - 23.01.2026

#B04eSports: Nine points and big wins at start of Showdown four

A great start to the new eSports year as the Leverkusen professional gamers pick up nine points in the first three of six matches in the online preliminary round of the fourth showdown of the VBL Club Championship 2025/26. Between big wins, wonder goals and composed performances, there was plenty on offer against VfB Stuttgart, Hannover 96 and FC Augsburg.

Show more
Winter Sale
Fans - 23.01.2026

Werkself Winter Sale: Warm items at rock-bottom prices

In keeping with the current freezing temperatures, Bayer 04 has heavily discounted numerous winter items – from cozy hats and sporty matchday clothing to stylish fleece and winter jackets.

Show more
Gegner-Check
eSports - 22.01.2026

#B04eSports: The first opponents in the fourth showdown

The fourth showdown in the VBL Club Championship 2025/26 starts for the Leverkusen eSports team today, Thursday 22 January (live on the B04eSports Twitch channel and on the Bayer 04 app from 19:00 CET). In the online preliminary round, the Black and Reds will once again compete with six previously drawn opponents for a place in the Top 16 and the associated entry into the offline knockout round in Berlin on 2 February at the fourth showdown. The lowdown on our next three opponents in the online preliminary round.

Show more
Carlotta Wamser im Training
Women - 21.01.2026

Women travel to Union Berlin 'with great respect but also confidence'

A month on from the last match of the old year, the Werkself also play the first game of the new year in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. Roberto Pätzold's side open Matchday 15 with the meeting at promoted side 1. FC Union Berlin on Friday (18:30 CET).

Show more