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Kovac Benches In-Form Guirassy for Bayern Match Over Fasting Concerns

The Dortmund coach cites team data indicating fasting reduces performance and says protecting players' health guides his choices.

Overview

  • Serhou Guirassy and Ramy Bensebaini were named to the bench for Borussia Dortmund’s league game against Bayern, with Fábio Silva starting up front.
  • Niko Kovac said both players have been fasting for two weeks during a stretch of four matches, which he believes significantly strains energy levels.
  • He referenced studies and internal performance data to explain that going without food and drink affects elite athletes’ output.
  • Kovac framed the decision as a responsibility to safeguard player health despite Guirassy’s strong form of five goals in his last four Bundesliga games.
  • Coverage noted the stakes for the title race, with second-placed Dortmund eight points behind Bayern and a loss widely viewed as fatal to their championship hopes.