# Dortmund's 2023 ghosts finally laid to rest

> Borussia Dortmund reclaim the Bundesliga summit for the first time since their title collapse three years ago.
- Title: Dortmund's 2023 ghosts finally laid to rest · the Guardian
- Summary: Borussia Dortmund reclaim the Bundesliga summit for the first time since their title collapse three years ago. Dortmund's 4-0 start under Niko Kovac shows…
- Keywords: borussia dortmund, bundesliga, niko kovac, stuttgart, 2023 title collapse, jobe bellingham, maximilian beier, bayern munich, german football, bundesliga summit, sports, Dortmund's
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/21/ghosts-2023-surface-borussia-dortmund-bundesliga-summit-stuttgart
- Published: 2026-09-21T13:17:05+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: borussia dortmund, bundesliga, niko kovac, stuttgart, 2023 title collapse, jobe bellingham, maximilian beier, bayern munich, german football, bundesliga summit, sports
## Dortmund's painful 2023 memory
In May 2023, Dortmund topped the Bundesliga with German champion shirts ready for sale. Then their dreams imploded completely.
## Four wins to start the season
Under Niko Kovac, Dortmund have won all four games so far this season and now sit atop the Bundesliga table.
## Stuttgart showdown shows progress
Dortmund beat Stuttgart 1-0 in a tight match that showed how far they've come defensively under Kovac's coaching.
## Bellingham and Beier combine
Jobe Bellingham came off the bench to set up Maximilian Beier for the winning goal, showing both players' adaptability.
## Kovac's defensive blueprint works
Dortmund's patient, poised approach under Kovac is a departure from their swashbuckling past but proving effective.
## Redemption against Stuttgart matters
Last season Dortmund lost twice to Stuttgart. This win shows they've turned a corner against direct rivals.
## Not quite title contenders yet
Dortmund sit first but Bayern Munich finished last season 16 points ahead. The gap remains enormous.

> It's about annoying Bayern a bit
## Annoying Bayern is the goal
Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken framed the challenge as reducing Bayern's dominance rather than winning the title.
## Can't relive the Klopp years
Dortmund won't return to relevance by trying to recreate Jürgen Klopp's era or copying Bayern's approach.
## Climbing the right ladder slowly
Dortmund are progressing steadily and diligently, though they'll need Bayern to slip to truly challenge for the title.
## Kane hits 100 Bundesliga goals
Harry Kane reached 100 Bundesliga goals in just 98 games, faster than anyone in league history, in Bayern's 7-0 rout of Union Berlin.
## Leverkusen honor Peter Hermann
Bayer Leverkusen beat RB Leipzig 2-0 while mourning Peter Hermann, Jupp Heynckes' assistant from the 2013 treble-winning season, who died at 73.
## Promoted teams find their feet
All three promoted teams now have a win after Paderborn beat Hoffenheim, with Werder Bremen also securing an impressive comeback victory.
## Key takeaway

Dortmund's 4-0 start under Niko Kovac shows they're climbing back to relevance through patient, defensive football rather than trying to recreate their Klopp era.