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.

Kovac is set to take over the reins from interim boss Mike Tullberg, who took charge of three matches following Nuri Şahin’s dismissal last month. Tullberg started his temporary spell with a 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen, before he oversaw victories over Shakhtar Donetsk and Heidenheim in the Champions League and Bundesliga respectively.

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.