Kobel's achievements have caused other clubs to enter the scene. He FC Bayern Munich are said to be looking at the goalkeeper as a successor to Manuel Neuer (37). Also Tottenham Hotspur or Paris Saint-Germain considers itself interested. The BVB number one still has a contract with the black and yellow until 2028.

Yann Sommer (35), from Inter Milan, is ahead in the national team. Therefore, Kobel's record only includes five international matches. The role of reservist bothers the Zurich native considerably. Therefore, he shows a special ambition to become even better. Kobel's goal is to be among the best in the world, according to the Swiss newspaper “Blick.” The 26-year-old trains long and intensely, sometimes too much. He also likes to take extra shifts. However, the strenuous exercise caused the aforementioned health problems.

“It happens a little often.”

Without a doubt, the Swiss has the potential to reach the top permanently. The “Kicker” has already placed the Dortmund goalkeeper five times in a row in the “International Class” in its semi-annual ranking. In the winter of 2023/24, the trade magazine named it number one in the ranking. Bundesliga – as well as in summer 2023 and winter 2022/23.

However, the frequent stops surprise Dortmund officials. In his more than two and a half years at Borussia Dortmund, Kobel was out for more than 100 days. “Something happens often with Gregor,” said Matthias Sammer (56), advisor to BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke (64), recently. Coach Edin Terzić is also not happy with having to do without his usual goalkeeper so often. “The injuries were too frequent. And, above all, they were always in important phases,” said the 41-year-old.

Next Saturday against 1. FC Union Berlin (March 2, 3:30 p.m.) Terzić will once again be forced to replace Kobel. The 26-year-old's return is scheduled for the Champions League round of 16 against PSV Eindhoven (March 13, 9 p.m.).

By Ingo Kruger