DORTMUND (dpa-AFX) - BVB striker Serhou Guirassy retains his special status under Niko Kovac. Borussia Dortmund's coach has no intention of granting his top scorer a creative break ahead of the next high-profile clash with former champions Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB Cup. "I stand by my decision: I will support him. Every top team needs to have a leading goal scorer in their ranks," Kovac said ahead of Tuesday's round of 16 match (21:00/ARD and Sky).

There would be several reasons to rotate the attack. The 29-year-old Guinean has not been scoring as reliably of late, and his form curve has not been particularly positive. Meanwhile, alternative forward Fábio Silva is eager for more playing time -- and not just since his assist for Karim Adeyemi's decisive second goal in BVB's 2-1 league win at Leverkusen on Saturday. "He has certainly made a case for himself," Kovac said of the Portuguese newcomer.

There are several reasons why Guirassy could be given a break

Then there are certain behavioral issues with Guirassy that generally do not go over well in a team sport. On Saturday in Leverkusen, these culminated in an irritating display when Guirassy was understandably substituted after just over an hour.

The striker walked silently past Kovac, refused the customary handshake, and threw his gloves away. "He knows he did not react appropriately. However, he personally came to me and apologized," reported the BVB coach, for whom the matter was already settled after the match on Saturday. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl also commented: "We are not making a big deal out of it."

Such ego-driven displays are not new for last season's most prolific Champions League scorer. During the 4-4 draw in the Champions League at Juventus Turin in mid-September, the 29-year-old engaged in a childish dispute with Ramy Bensebaini over who would take a penalty, and later struggled with physical problems. Guirassy's form declined, yet Kovac continued to back him.

Kovac: I will continue to support him

"I think the coach has been incredibly positive with him in recent weeks, giving him confidence," said Kehl. Kovac himself stated: "I have always supported him and will continue to do so. I know how important he is for us. But he also knows how important I am for him."

Last week, Guirassy repaid this trust with two goals in the European top competition during the 4-0 win over Villarreal. On Saturday, however, he followed that up with what could generously be called an unfortunate performance, including his puzzling reaction to being substituted.

Kovac, however, takes such escapades from his striker -- whom he often refers to as his "life insurance" -- with good humor. "Goal scorers and goalkeepers simply need that certain extra something," said the BVB head coach.

There was sharper criticism for Adeyemi in a similar situation

Such leniency may seem honorable, but it also carries significant risk. In a tense environment like BVB's, egotism can be explosive. Especially since Kovac reacted differently with Adeyemi just over a month ago. "He needs to grow up," Kovac said at the time, demanding more team spirit. The national striker had shown a similar reaction to his substitution against Cologne, throwing a bottle among other things./lap/DP/mis