Analyzing VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Bundesliga Season: A Midway Review

The latest installment of our Bundesliga transfer primers on Get German Football News focuses on the unpredictable journey of VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach. This team, long anticipated to have a successful season, finds itself entangled in a rollercoaster of ups and downs.

Currently, Gladbach is tied in points with regional rivals 1. FC Köln, both teams sitting at the same record of 16 points, having won four, drawn four, and lost seven matches. This unusual scenario creates a congested space in the league table, with all three teams, including promoted Hamburger SV, clustered between 11th and 13th place.

The teams are separated by goal differential, with Gladbach at minus six, trailing Köln at minus two and slightly ahead of Hamburg at minus nine. This precarious positioning raises questions about the team’s trajectory as they navigate a challenging season.

**Predicted Table Position:** 7th place
**Actual Table Position:** 12th place, 16 points (4 Wins, 4 Draws, 7 Losses, Goal Differential: -6)

After the departure of sporting director Roland Virkus, interim coach Eugen Polanski has managed to instill some coherence within the squad. The team’s turnaround began with a 3-1 Pokal victory over Karlsruher SC, followed by a significant 4-0 triumph against St. Pauli just days later. Under Polanski’s guidance, Gladbach secured victories in their next two league matches against Köln and Heidenheim, culminating in a five-match unbeaten streak.

However, this streak was curtailed by a Pokal loss to St. Pauli in early December, although a win against Mainz helped maintain their league momentum. Losses to Wolfsburg and Dortmund before year-end highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued the team, despite four victories being achieved during this strong stretch.

**Estimated Summer Transfer Balance:** +€7m

Virkus deserves recognition for his efforts in his final transfer window. The groundwork for the current squad was laid in the previous January transfer window, when the team acquired Kevin Diks on a free transfer and secured Jens Castrop from Nürnberg for future seasons. Both players have proved to be valuable assets, with Diks reinforcing the backline and Castrop impressing across various positions.

The unexpected return of Yannik Engelhardt has also yielded positive results. In a midfield that was already overcrowded, Engelhardt managed to secure a spot due to departures and injuries, showcasing his determination and intelligence on the field.

Conversely, the performance of attackers Haris Tabakovic and Shuto Machino has been underwhelming. While Tabakovic was initially doubted, his performance has improved, whereas Machino has struggled to meet expectations despite scoring three goals when utilized effectively.

Giovanni Reyna’s transfer has also been disappointing, as expectations were low, and the results have matched them, leaving little to discuss.

As Rouven Schröder steps in as the new sporting director, his priority will be to clear out excess players from the 30-man roster. Rumors suggest that midfielder Oscar Fraulo is on his way out, and there is potential for former captain Jonas Omlin to be transferred as well. Given the complexities surrounding Nathan Ngoumou and Kevin Stöger, the team must navigate these changes carefully to stabilize.

**Dead-Weight Ledger:** Jonas Omlin (GK), Nathan Ngoumou (CM), Niklas Swider (DM), Kevin Stöger (ATTM), Wael Mohya (ATTM)
**Expiring Contracts:** Tobias Sippel (GK), Luca Netz (LB), Marvin Friedrich (CB), Oscar Fraulo (CM)
**Further Needs:** LB, CB, RB, ADM, RW

Schröder’s recent comments about operating within a tight budget reflect the financial challenges faced by Gladbach, which is still recovering from past over-leveraging and the pandemic’s impact. Most resources will likely need to focus on enhancing the right-back position, where Joe Scally is currently overworked.

Possible targets have emerged, including Omar Haktab Traoré, although acquiring players from Hoffenheim or Bayer Leverkusen seems unlikely. Meanwhile, the potential acquisition of Julien Duranville remains uncertain, drawing skepticism from observers.

**Rumored Links:** Alexander Prass (LB), Jeanuël Belocian (CB), Jorge Spileers (CB), Omar Haktab Traoré (RB), Ryan Fosso (CM), Julien Duranville (LW), Amin Chiakha (CF), Keke Topp (CF)

Overall, while VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach has faced significant challenges this season, strategic decisions in the transfer window could pave the way for a more stable future.