Kleindienst Returns as Tabakovic Shines in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Recent Match

omidbasir- In his pre-match press conference, Borussia Mönchengladbach head coach Eugen Polanski indicated that it was time for the captain, Tim Kleindienst, to return to the field after a lengthy injury layoff. Polanski emphasized that he was unconcerned about the club’s medical staff opinions, stating that Kleindienst simply needed to play in a Bundesliga match again.

Kleindienst’s return was executed in the most cautious manner possible. The 30-year-old striker made his entry into the match against his former team, 1. FC Heidenheim, well after the outcome had already been decided. He stepped onto the pitch at 90+1 minutes into the match, during the four minutes of added injury time, and managed to touch the ball four times in that brief appearance.

“Just being back on the pitch is a positive thing,” Kleindienst expressed in the mixed zone after the match. “I thank the Heidenheim fans for their applause. I know it sounds a bit cheesy, but it truly touched me.”

Kleindienst is aware that it will take considerable time for him to regain full match fitness following his major knee surgery. Additionally, there have been unexpected developments within the team since he last played late last spring.

On loan from Hoffenheim, striker Haris Tabakovic was initially viewed as a potential disappointment for the team after two lackluster performances. However, he has since proven his critics wrong by capitalizing on the limited scoring opportunities he received.

After scoring again in Saturday’s match, Tabakovic has now amassed a total of seven league goals, positioning him behind only England’s Harry Kane and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jonathan Burkardt in the Bundesliga scoring charts this season. In his post-match comments, Kleindienst was quick to praise his fellow teammate.

“Haris is doing an amazing job,” Kleindienst remarked. “I hope he can maintain this momentum. For myself, I expect it will take another month-and-a-half to two months before I am fully ready. I’m sure I’ll be coming off the bench initially. Competitive football is challenging, and there are still aspects I need to refine. However, I have no issues with starting off as a substitute at this point.”