Kleindienst’s Return and Tabakovic’s Rise Highlight Mönchengladbach’s Recent Match

omidbasir- As Borussia Mönchengladbach’s head coach, Eugen Polanski, indicated during his pre-match press conference, the long-awaited return of captain Tim Kleindienst was imminent. Polanski explicitly stated that he wasn’t concerned with the opinions of the club’s medical staff, emphasizing Kleindienst’s urgent need to step back onto a Bundesliga pitch.

In a tactical decision, Polanski utilized Kleindienst in a low-risk manner. The 30-year-old made his entrance in a match that had already been decided against his former club, 1. FC Heidenheim, coming on at the very end of the game during the 90+1 minute of second-half injury time. Despite the limited time, Kleindienst managed to make four touches of the ball.

“Just being back on the pitch is a positive thing,” Kleindienst reflected in the mixed zone afterward. “I appreciate the applause from the Heidenheim fans. I know it sounds a bit cheesy, but it genuinely touched me.”

Kleindienst understands that it will take some time before he can play more extended minutes following his significant knee surgery. Additionally, there is an unexpected development concerning the team he last represented in late spring.

Haris Tabakovic, on loan from Hoffenheim and initially seen as a potential disappointment, began his tenure with two underwhelming performances that validated the skepticism surrounding him. However, the Bosnian international soon turned the narrative around by capitalizing on limited scoring opportunities.

Tabakovic, who scored once again in Saturday’s victory, has now tallied seven league goals this season. Only England’s star striker Harry Kane and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jonathan Burkardt have scored more goals in the Bundesliga this season. Kleindienst was quick to commend his teammate’s performance in his post-match comments.

“Haris is doing an amazing job,” Kleindienst remarked. “I hope he can maintain this momentum. I will need another month and a half to two months to reach full fitness. Initially, I expect to come off the bench a few times. Competitive football is challenging, and there are still aspects I need to refine. However, I am comfortable with the prospect of being a substitute for now.”

— GGFN | Peter Weis