Niko Kovač weighs rest period as Guinean forward Serhou Guirassy endures rare dip in form at Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovač is considering giving Serhou Guirassy a short break as the Guinean forward works to rediscover the prolific scoring touch that defined his past campaigns.

Guirassy’s downturn comes as a surprise given the heights he reached last season.

The 29-year-old finished as the 2024–25 Champions League’s top scorer with 13 goals and amassed 38 goals in all competitions, making him one of Europe’s most feared attacking threats.

His clinical finishing was central to Dortmund’s success, placing him firmly among the elite in world football.

This season, however, has proved more challenging. Guirassy has registered four goals and one assist in seven Bundesliga matches, alongside a total of six goals and seven assists across all competitions.

His most recent league strike dates back to 13 September against Heidenheim, and he has managed just a single goal so far in the Champions League.

While those numbers would still represent strong output for many forwards, they fall short of the explosive level he set in previous campaigns.

Despite the dip, Guirassy’s work ethic has not been questioned.

His positioning, physical presence, and constant movement continue to create spaces and opportunities for teammates, maintaining his importance within Dortmund’s attacking structure.

The challenge now lies in converting his efforts into goals — the one element temporarily evading him.

Kovač, speaking ahead of the German Cup clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, acknowledged that the striker may benefit from a brief pause to recharge mentally and physically.

It’s possible that Guirassy will have a short rest period, but we still have time to evaluate tomorrow’s game and the upcoming matches. Even if he doesn’t score at the moment, his effort and constant work on the pitch are evident, and he deserves all my support, the Croatian manager insisted.

He continued: “Attacking dry spells are normal for any striker. Guirassy remains a central element of our attack and a pillar of the team, indispensable in the plans of the Yellow and Blacks.”

Dortmund remain firmly behind their number nine, convinced that his experience and resilience will restore his confidence and sharpness in front of goal.

With a long season ahead and major competitions still to come, there is ample opportunity for Guirassy to reassert himself as one of football’s most reliable finishers.

His history suggests that once the goals return, they will likely come quickly — and in numbers.