Tim Kleindienst’s Return to Action: A Positive Step for Borussia Mönchengladbach

omidbasir- In a recent pre-match press conference, Borussia Mönchengladbach head coach Eugen Polanski announced that it was time for the long-injured captain Tim Kleindienst to make his return to the pitch this weekend. Polanski emphasized his disregard for the opinions of the club’s medical staff, stating that Kleindienst needed to step back onto a Bundesliga field.

Kleindienst’s return was carefully managed, as he was introduced in a match that had already been decided against his former club, 1. FC Heidenheim. He entered the game during the second half’s injury time at the 90+1 minute mark, managing to record four touches of the ball.

“Just being back on the pitch is a positive thing,” Kleindienst reflected in the mixed zone following the match. “I thank the Heidenheim fans for the applause. I know it might sound cheesy, but it truly touched me.”

Kleindienst is aware that he will require additional time to regain his fitness following significant knee surgery. Additionally, there have been some unexpected developments within the team since his last appearance in late spring.

On loan from Hoffenheim, striker Haris Tabakovic was initially perceived as a potential disappointment, failing to impress in his first two outings. However, he quickly proved his critics wrong by capitalizing on scoring opportunities. After scoring once again in Saturday’s victory, Tabakovic has now accumulated seven league goals, placing him among the top scorers in the Bundesliga, alongside England’s Harry Kane and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jonathan Burkardt. Kleindienst was quick to commend his fellow player in his post-match remarks.

“Haris is doing an amazing job,” Kleindienst noted. “I hope he can maintain this momentum. I need another month and a half to two months to regain full fitness. Initially, I’m sure I’ll be coming on as a substitute. Competitive football is challenging, and there are still aspects I need to refine. Nevertheless, I have no issue with coming off the bench for now.”