Tim Kleindienst Makes Promising Return as Borussia Mönchengladbach Focuses on Team Dynamics

In a recent pre-match press conference, Borussia Mönchengladbach head coach Eugen Polanski indicated that it was time for the long-injured captain, Tim Kleindienst, to make his long-awaited return to action. Polanski emphasized that he was unconcerned with the views of the club’s medical staff, asserting that Kleindienst needed to step onto a Bundesliga pitch.

Kleindienst’s return was managed with caution, as the 30-year-old was substituted in during a match that had already been decided against his former club, 1. FC Heidenheim. He made his entrance in the 90+1 minute of added time, managing to touch the ball four times despite the limited time on the field.

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

Kleindienst is aware that it will take time to regain full fitness following his significant knee surgery. Additionally, there has been an unexpected turn of events concerning the squad he last played with in late spring.

On-loan Hoffenheim striker Haris Tabakovic, initially deemed not to be a good fit for the team, began his tenure with two subpar performances. However, he has since turned the situation around, capitalizing on the limited scoring opportunities he received. After scoring again in Saturday’s victory, Tabakovic has now netted seven league goals, trailing only English star Harry Kane and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jonathan Burkardt in the Bundesliga goal tally this season. Kleindienst took a moment to commend his fellow forward in his post-match remarks.

“Haris is doing an amazing job,” Kleindienst noted. “I hope he can ride this wave and keep it up. I need another month and a half to two months to regain my full fitness. I’m certain I’ll start as a substitute for a few matches initially. Competitive football is challenging, and there are still aspects I need to work on. However, I have no problem coming off the bench at this stage.”