Niko Kovač explains tactical substitution of Ethan Nwaneri in Champions League

Borussia Dortmund defeated Villarreal 3-2 in a Champions League match held Tuesday. Ethan Nwaneri, on loan from Arsenal, entered the game as a substitute for Konstantinos Karetsas in the 27th minute. The 19-year-old was later substituted off during the final stages of the match as Dortmund sought to protect their lead. Coach Niko Kovač stated the decision was based on managing the player's workload rather than his individual performance. Kovač noted that Nwaneri played effectively during his time on the pitch, contributing six shots and hitting the post. The coaching staff indicated that the substitute appearance was intended to maximize the player's impact while balancing his physical requirements in the context of the team's defensive strategy.

• 7:10 AMYahoo Sports — Kovač explains decision to sub Arsenal loanee Nwaneri on and off against Villarreal