kicker Daily - Der Fußball-News Podcast · kicker

Gladbachs "riesengroße Baustelle" - und warum Polanski jetzt liefern muss

·18 min·1 clip

Why is Borussia Mönchengladbach, after missing a matchball against Heidenheim, now facing a nerve-wracking fight to avoid Bundesliga relegation?

The episode opens by contrasting a Champions League highlight with the grim reality of Borussia Mönchengladbach's fight against Bundesliga relegation. Host Tim Sohr introduces reporter Jan Lustig from Gladbach. Lustig explains that Gladbach missed a crucial 'matchball' opportunity against Heidenheim and now faces a nervous run-in. He recounts a late-season collapse of seven games without a win, which reignited debates over coach Eugen Polanski's future. The club decided to continue with Polanski into a third year, but he was dismissed after just three games. The discussion turns to the squad, described as a 'huge construction site.' Numerous players have uncertain futures, including loanee Haris Tabakovic, Franck Honorat, and Rocco Reitz, who is certain to join Leipzig. The club must also save money on salaries. The potential return of striker Tim Kleindienst is highlighted as a psychological and tactical boost for the final games. Lustig predicts Gladbach will survive with 34 points. The episode then shifts to Schalke 04's promotion push. Reporter Toni Lieto outlines severe personnel issues: Edin Dzeko and Nikola Katic are with their national teams, while Kenan Karaman is suspended and Mertcan Ayhan is also unavailable. Despite this, coach Miron Muslic projects a 'winner's mentality.' Solutions are discussed, including using Musa Süller more centrally and potential defensive reshuffles. Lieto speculates Dzeko might return for the final games if needed for the World Cup. Schalke's remaining fixtures include key matches against Nuremberg and two sold-out home games. Lieto, referencing a quote from Ingo Anderbrügge, gives a 70-40 chance of promotion, while the host states Schalke will definitely return to the Bundesliga. The episode ends by prompting listener predictions on both clubs' outcomes.

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