Borussia Dortmund slumped to a 2-1 defeat to visitors VfB Stuttgart on Saturday in a disappointing debut for new coach Niko Kovac that dropped his team further away from the Champions League qualification spots.

Borussia Dortmund is set to appoint Niko Kovac as the club’s new head coach. Dortmund’s managing director of sport, Lars Ricken, confirmed reports that the club had reached an agreement with the former Frankfurt, Bayern, Monaco and Wolfsburg coach this week.

Niko Kovac will be the new coach of Borussia Dortmund as last season’s Champions League runner-up looks to rescue a troubled season.

DORTMUND, Germany (Reuters) -Ten-man Borussia Dortmund slumped to a 2-1 defeat to visitors VfB Stuttgart on Saturday in a disappointing debut for new coach Niko Kovac that dropped his team further away from the Champions League qualification spots.

Niko Kovač lost in his first game as new Borussia Dortmund boss with a 2-1 loss against Stuttgart at the Westfalenstadion. Scorers: Brandt 81'; Anton OG 50', Chabot 61'After a scoreless first half,

Borussia Dortmund need a quick turnaround after their latest setback when they travel to Lisbon for Tuesday's Champions League play-off date at Sporting. Dortmund are coming off a 2-1 home defeat in the Bundesliga against VfB Stuttgart in what was the debut match of their new coach Niko Kovac.

Coach Niko Kovac made his debut for Borussia Dortmund with a 2-1 defeat at home against VfB Stuttgart on Saturday in the Bundesliga, while champions Bayer Leverkusen were held to a goalless draw at VfL Wolfsburg.