Borussia Mönchengladbach have become the first Bundesliga club to sack their head coach this season, dismissing Eugen Polanski with immediate effect. The move comes after a disastrous start that has left the club bottom of the table with zero points from four matches.
Head of Sports Rouven Schröder confirmed the decision on Tuesday. “Despite a good pre-season and some encouraging signs, the team haven’t been able to get the results we were looking for in the Bundesliga,” Schröder said. “Our recent performances ultimately led us to the conclusion that a change was needed.” Schröder thanked Polanski and his assistant Tobias Trulsen for their work, calling Polanski “a Foal through and through.”
Polanski reacts with disappointment
The dismissed coach reacted with disappointment to the end of his tenure. “Borussia Mönchengladbach has always been my club and always will be. That’s why it hurts so much that things have ended this way,” Polanski said. He referenced the squad changes made after surviving relegation last season and the big plans that failed to materialise. “I’m sorry about that. I really hope Borussia can turn things around quickly.”
The sporting record is unequivocal. Gladbach sit 18th in the Bundesliga after four matchdays, having conceded 16 goals already. The latest setback was a 3-4 home defeat to Mainz 05 last weekend, extending the losing run.
Lichte takes interim charge
Jan-Moritz Lichte will take charge of the team on an interim basis, assisted by coach Markus Gellhaus. Their first task is the Rhine derby away to 1. FC Köln on October 11th. Köln currently sit in 13th place. Ahead of this key match, the squad must find the stability they desperately need to climb out of the relegation zone. The injury list is manageable with only Enzo Leopold sidelined, meaning the squad is largely available. The upcoming training sessions under Lichte will show if a quick reset is possible.
First reported at bavarianfootballworks.com
