Eugen Polanski’s Strong Start as Interim Head Coach of Borussia Mönchengladbach

In light of the recent administrative changes at Borussia Mönchengladbach, the club has publicly affirmed its commitment to keeping interim head coach Eugen Polanski in charge until the November international break. Initially, skepticism surrounded Polanski’s capacity to secure a permanent position, especially after he was hastily promoted from the reserves following Gerardo Seoane’s dismissal in mid-September.

However, the situation has shifted significantly. After a somewhat tentative start, Polanski has successfully guided the team to three consecutive victories. Each win has not only been crucial but also showcased the team’s potential. Borussia Mönchengladbach achieved a noteworthy 3-1 victory against Karlsruhe in the Pokal and convincingly defeated FC St. Pauli 4-0 away, marking their first win in the Bundesliga last weekend.

Most recently, Polanski’s squad delighted fans with a 3-1 home triumph over Köln in a highly anticipated Saturday night Bundesliga match. This victory reinforces Gladbach supporters’ pride in one of the most intense rivalries in German football. BMG player Rocco Reitz, who has already advocated for Polanski’s permanent appointment, expressed confidence in the coach’s strategies.

“The commitment to the tactical implementation was spot on,” Reitz stated in an interview with Sky Germany. “There was a strong will from the team and composure in front of goal.”

Polanski, in his own interview, emphasized the importance of maintaining a compact team structure. “It’s crucial that the players understand the reasons behind our tactics—why, how, and what for. We need to adhere to our principles, as we have established a solid foundation,” he explained.

While Polanski refrained from discussing his future, newly appointed sporting director Rouven Schröder hinted that Polanski’s impressive performance has simplified his first significant task in the role. It is understood that discussions between Polanski and the club are ongoing.

“Things are looking promising,” Schröder commented in the mixed zone. “You might want us to make an announcement right now, but we have ample time for discussions during the international break.”

GGFN | Peter Weis