Borussia Mönchengladbach begins the new season with optimism. Sky expert Dietmar Hamann believes in a resurgence for the Foals and sees them as a potential surprise team. The preparation has impressed the former national player, especially the signing of young, hungry players. “Doesn’t hurt”, says Hamann about the lowered expectations after a 12th-place finish last season (38 points, 9W-11D-14L, -11 goals).
Why Hamann believes in Gladbach’s success
Hamann is convinced that Gladbach is back on track after a transitional year. “Everything I’ve heard, seen in preparation, read about the players they’ve signed-young, hungry players-pleases me”, he explains. The departures of older players and the signing of talents like Tim Kleindienst, who is returning from an injury, make him optimistic.
What role does Rouven Schröder play?
Hamann highlights the work of the sporting director: “I consider Rouven Schröder a very capable manager or sporting director”. Schröder has rejuvenated the squad and brought the team back on course after a weak start (51 points behind Bayern Munich). The recent form (3W-0D-2L, most recently 4-0 against Hoffenheim) proves Hamann right.
What does this mean for the new season?
The Foals could be the surprise of the new season. Hamann believes that the lowered expectations after years of being undervalued actually benefit the team. “One must clearly say that they have sold themselves short in recent years, and the lowered expectations may not be a bad thing”, says the expert. With a young, hungry team and an experienced sporting director, he sees Gladbach well-prepared.
