Tim Kleindienst’s Return to the Field and Haris Tabakovic’s Rising Form

As Borussia Mönchengladbach’s head coach Eugen Polanski indicated in his pre-match press conference, it was time for the long-injured captain Tim Kleindienst to make his return to action this weekend. Polanski emphasized that he was unconcerned by the opinions of the club’s medical staff, asserting that Kleindienst simply needed to step back onto a Bundesliga pitch.

In a calculated decision, Polanski introduced Kleindienst in a low-risk manner. The 30-year-old striker entered a match that had already been decisively won against his former club, 1. FC Heidenheim. With four minutes of injury time added, Kleindienst made his entrance at the 90+1 minute mark, managing to record four touches on the ball.

“Just being back on the pitch is a positive thing,” Kleindienst remarked in the mixed zone afterward. “I want to thank the Heidenheim fans for their applause. I know it may sound a bit sentimental, but it genuinely touched me.”

Kleindienst is aware that it will take time to regain his stamina following major knee surgery. Additionally, he has noted an unexpected development with the team since he last played in late spring.

Haris Tabakovic, a striker on loan from Hoffenheim, was initially perceived as a potential disappointment for the team. His first two matches did little to dispel this notion, as he delivered two lackluster performances. However, the Bosnian international quickly turned the situation around, capitalizing on limited scoring opportunities.

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

“Haris is doing an amazing job,” Kleindienst noted. “I hope he can maintain this momentum. I need about a month-and-a-half to two months to fully regain my fitness. I’m sure I’ll initially be coming on as a substitute. Competitive football is challenging, and there are still aspects I need to improve. However, I have no qualms about coming off the bench at this time.”