Borussia Mönchengladbach is aiming to rekindle the fierce rivalry that once characterized their matches against Bayern Munich as they prepare for an encounter this Saturday. The current climate surrounding the club hasn’t been easy, as they sit at the bottom of the Bundesliga standings without a win in their last 14 league matches—an unwanted club record dating back to the previous season. However, interim coach Eugen Polanski remains optimistic about their potential to turn things around.
Polanski was promoted from the U23s following the dismissal of Gerardo Seoane in September, assuming the role during a challenging time for the squad, which has been plagued by injuries and low morale. Despite their struggles, Polanski believes that their performance at home could set the stage for a turnaround against the league leaders.
“Our goal is to have a top, top, top day, and that’s in our own hands,” Polanski stated in anticipation of the match against Bayern, who have been dominating the league. He emphasized the importance of their performance at Borussia-Park and expressed hope for a bit of luck during the game.
Drawing from his experiences under coaching legends like Jupp Heynckes, Thomas Tuchel, and Julian Nagelsmann, Polanski aims to inspire his team to rise to the occasion. He acknowledges the impact of his past coaches on his career, particularly in fostering a mindset geared towards consistent improvement and leadership.
However, the challenge will not be easy, particularly in light of key injuries affecting the team. Star striker Tim Kleindienst is still recovering from surgery on his meniscus and is expected to be absent for the match. This is a significant blow, given that Bayern Munich boasts the league’s top scorer, Harry Kane, who has already found the net 12 times this season—more than the entire Gladbach squad has managed to score collectively.
The interim coach did, however, mention some positive developments as players Giovanni Reyna and Franck Honorat have recently returned from injury, albeit it will take time for them to regain peak form.
Polanski underlined the importance of creating the right atmosphere within the team: “Overall, the mood is definitely not as bad as it might seem from the outside,” he reassured. He is focused on instilling a sense of determination and resilience in his players as they gear up to face Bayern, emphasizing that their performance and attitude are critical.
With Polanski at the helm and some gradually returning players, Gladbach will look to showcase their fighting spirit and leave everything on the pitch come Saturday, proving that anything is possible, even against formidable opposition like Bayern Munich.