Bundesliga 2026/27 Tactical Preview: VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach

This tactical preview series for the 2026/27 Bundesliga season turns its attention to VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach, the sole remaining "Verein für Leibesübungen" in the German top flight following Wolfsburg's relegation. This early look at Gladbach is largely due to the proactive approach of experienced administrator Rouven Schröder, who swiftly outlined a roadmap for the club immediately after the previous campaign concluded. While a detailed appreciation of Schröder's efforts will follow, this introduction focuses on broader themes.

Firstly, we revisit Gladbach's decision last autumn to implement corporate naming rights for their modern stadium, now known as ista-Borussia-Park. While squad analysis is a priority for many, German football discussions often involve different priorities. The adoption of this naming convention by Gladbach supporters is met with minimal controversy, perhaps more so because Germans often feel a need to voice their dissent on such matters.

For clarity throughout this analysis, Gladbach will be referred to as the "Sub-metering Club," a moniker reflecting their new commercial partnership. This choice carries a touch of ironic humor, given that a club often characterized by frustrating inconsistency in recent years has partnered with a company associated with utility billing complexities, a common source of exasperation for consumers.

VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach

The question of whether Gladbach will finally emerge from their mid-table mediocrity this season is met with a definitive "no." While the upcoming tribute to Schröder will highlight a significant squad overhaul, it did not immediately elevate the team to European contention. Achieving such a status is likely another year away. Potential fans, drawn to the club by its lengthy, Prussian-influenced name and the presence of an umlaut, should be forewarned: becoming a Gladbach supporter can involve considerable disappointment.

Major Personnel Shifts at Gladbach

Estimated Summer Transfer Balance = +€11.75 million

Rouven Schröder wasted no time in initiating changes after the close of last season's Bundesliga campaign. The "foals" are fortunate to have an exceptionally capable administrator at the helm. Observers of Schröder's career progression from Mainz to Schalke and then to the Red Bull system have witnessed his steady improvement with each appointment. He has learned from past errors, and his vision for the next phase of BMG's development was rapidly formulated.

A key decision was the confirmation of Eugen Polanski as head coach for the upcoming season. This is a sound choice. Despite periods of struggle during Polanski's tenure, the team demonstrated an ability to adapt to his tactics and perform well in bursts once momentum was established. The late-season victories against Dortmund and Hoffenheim showcased the dynamic football desired for the long term. Polanski, unexpectedly thrust into his first major coaching role, managed the team effectively.

Polanski deserves an extension of his tenure. Schröder made the correct decision in guaranteeing his position, coupled with specific adjustments, directives, and conditions, including the addition of new assistant coaches. The decision to revert to a back-four formation was mandated by the front office. Furthermore, several astute signings from the 2. Bundesliga were secured before rival clubs could act. Schröder's efficiency mirrors that of a sub-metering company when it comes to implementing additional, often opaque, charges.

Gladbach has secured promising talents from the 2. Bundesliga, including David Herold (Karlsruhe, €4m estimated value), Isac Lidberg (Darmstadt, €5m estimated value), and Enzo Leopold (Hannover, €4m estimated value). For a combined estimated market value of €13 million, Schröder acquired two, potentially three, starters for only €6.5 million. Leopold, along with promising players such as Ukrainian right-back Yukhym Konoplya and potential new first-choice goalkeeper Daniel Batz (should Moritz Nicolas depart), were acquired on free transfers. When Konoplya's injury posed a threat to Schröder's plans, the executive promptly secured Daiki Hashioka from Slavia Prague on loan.

Schröder also brought in developmental prospects Zento Uno and Jan Leszczynski. While Leszczynski was not inexpensive, Schröder still has considerable resources from the summer transfer surplus, partly generated by Rocco Reitz's sale to RB Leipzig. This situation is further influenced by the surprising willingness of a club to pay a significant fee for Giovanni Reyna. In any case, Schröder deserves commendation for acquiring all new additions this summer, including rising Swedish winger Hugo Bolin, at below market value. Well done to the man in charge of Germany's "Sub-meter Team"!

Pre-Season Notes from Gladbach

According to Schröder, Polanski required a full summer preparation period to effectively implement his tactical vision. Through a series of well-scheduled friendlies, the BMG coach achieved this objective. The "Fohlenelf" return to their corporate-branded stadium with a clear tactical direction and a defined playing style. However, Jens Castrop's injury presents a setback to these plans. Intriguingly, this could lead to a shift from a projected 4-2-3-1 formation to a more attacking 4-3-3, demonstrating how challenging circumstances can sometimes yield positive outcomes.

During the pre-season opener, a 6-0 away victory in Wuppertal, Hugo Bolin and Franck Honorat each scored twice. Wael Mohya assisted both of Bolin's goals, both scored before the quarter-hour mark. Gladbach quickly dominated the match against a city often used as a generic German footballing reference. Following the Wuppertal game, a more challenging match against RWE in Essen saw Bolin and Mohya score again in a 2-1 away win. Seventeen-year-old BMG prospect Edin Biber also contributed a goal, unfortunately, an own goal.

The second test match provided the first glimpse of Polanski's mandated 4-2-3-1 formation. The initial performance was described as disjointed and awkward. Robin Hack appeared somewhat out of position in the attacking midfield role. Yukhym Konoplya's injury also hampered the team's fluidity, as did Tim Kleindienst's limited involvement, playing for only about half an hour. Against Rostock, Polanski shifted Hugo Bolin to the No. 10 position, with Hack moving to the left wing and Florian Neuhaus rotating into the double pivot. The team's performance remained unconvincing until the second half, when Lukas Ullrich, Kevin Stöger, and Isac Lidberg all scored in a decisive 3-1 away victory. The recently signed Daiki Hashioka also impressed in central defense.

The 15-0 thrashing of FC Rottach-Egern during the official Tegernsee training camp yielded few significant tactical insights. However, it's worth noting that Mohya scored another brace, as did Kleindienst, young attacking prospect Iaia Manco Danfa, Shuto Machino, and the injured Jens Castrop. Zento Uno also opened his (unofficial) Gladbach account. The 4-2-3-1 formation, with Hashioka at his natural right-back position, functioned smoothly. Unsurprisingly, this non-competitive match offered little test for the system. In contrast, the subsequent match provided more concrete evidence that Polanski has the squad heading in the right direction.

In a development that delighted German football enthusiasts, Gladbach defeated Hoffenheim in a 120-minute friendly. Bambassa Conté, a new signing for TSG, opened the scoring in the first 60-minute period, but the "Fohlenelf" responded in the second half through their own marquee addition, Lidberg. After Robin Hack equalized, Lidberg capitalized on defensive errors from Hoffenheim's second-string defenders Arthur Chaves and Robin Hrnac to score two goals and provide an assist in the final 30 minutes. Gladbach secured a 4-1 victory in this Austrian training camp encounter. For those wondering, 120-minute friendlies include two hydration breaks, which technically disqualifies them as genuine football matches.

The most recent warm-up match against fifth-tier SSVg Velbert (completed today) is noteworthy for Wael Mohya's forced substitution due to injury, adding to Gladbach's growing injury list. Robin Hack scored twice before halftime. The goals continued to flow in the second half, with Iaia Manco Danfa, Florian Neuhaus (twice), Elias Vali Fard, Shuto Machino, and Fritz Fleck contributing to an 8-0 rout. Machino and Neuhaus showcased impressive interplay on Neuhaus's first goal, demonstrating effective attacking movements that provided valuable insights.

Pre-Season Winners at Gladbach

Isac Lidberg, Striker

It's important to note that neither Tim Kleindienst nor Robin Hack had particularly strong pre-season campaigns. However, neither was completely ineffective, preventing them from being categorized as "losers." Both key offensive players are returning from injury-affected seasons, and Hack, as noted, made his presence felt. Most German football prognosticators believe that Gladbach's entire season hinges on Kleindienst and Hack regaining their form. This author, however, holds a different view, which begins with the team's "Swedish connection." Introducing: Isac Lidberg!

At 27 years old, Lidberg is, by his own admission, somewhat older to be considered a "Bundesliga rookie." His 17 goals in the 2. Bundesliga are unlikely to be replicated. In fact, if Kleindienst performs as expected, Lidberg may see limited playing time. While a 4-4-2 formation with a secondary striker supporting Kleindienst on the left is a possibility, Lidberg, despite his versatility, is primarily a target forward. Shuto Machino might be better suited for such a system. A switch to a 3-5-2 formation could accommodate him, but the quartet of new assistant coaches brought in to support Polanski would likely object to such a tactical shift.

Returning to Lidberg, the subject readers might think the author has forgotten about. His brace against Hoffenheim is an encouraging sign. Lidberg demonstrates good ability to split defenses and possesses strong positional awareness. His first goal highlighted his acceleration and clinical finishing. The second was more of a poacher's goal, but his positioning and composure were commendable. He might be capable of scoring in double digits off the bench, reminiscent of Haris Tabakovic's unexpected success last season.

Hugo Bolin, Attacking Midfielder

"Compliments to the scouting department" is indeed appropriate. The other half of the squad's "Swedish connection" may deserve a starting spot over Hack on the left. Bolin experienced a slight dip in form during his initial loan spell last spring, but this is now irrelevant after the 23-year-old delivered a standout pre-season. Polanski utilized Bolin in various attacking midfield roles, and unlike many teammates, the former Malmö player excelled in every position. Polanski has a valuable asset in Bolin, who can be deployed centrally, on the left, or on the right.

The now twice-capped international operated effectively across the second attacking line last season and scored his first goal in Gladbach's final match of the season. This writer acknowledged his potential in the GGFN Borussia Mönchengladbach relegation check and anticipates doing so frequently this season. He is quick and creative, though of slight build. However, his pre-season performance demonstrated his potential as a goal-scoring threat. If this author were coaching the team, or one of the new coaches tasked with overseeing Polanski, he would ensure Bolin replaced Hack in the starting lineup.

As it stands, Hack's recent performance suggests Bolin will likely start in the No. 10 role.

Wael Mohya, Attacking Midfielder

This season is anticipated to be the breakthrough year for the €17 million-valued talent. Six starts in the latter part of last season, combined with a strong pre-season where he displayed exceptional dribbling and agility, suggesting a player with considerably more experience, may lead to him permanently displacing Franck Honorat. Schröder deliberately reinforced both full-back positions to increase attacking pace. With Yukhym Konoplya now injured, Honorat might be relegated to being transfer bait.

Provided the latest injury is not serious!

Enzo Leopold, Defensive Midfielder

Like Lidberg, the 26-year-old enters his "rookie" Bundesliga season at a relatively advanced age. Whether the former Hannover 96 captain can effectively anchor the midfield in the German top flight remains to be seen. Castrop's injury places significant pressure on Leopold. Alongside former Holstein Kiel captain Philipp Sander, Leopold and his fellow former 2. Bundesliga skipper appear capable of maintaining midfield stability. The effectiveness of this makeshift pairing against stronger opposition will be a key storyline. Unfortunately, Leopold is likely to be sacrificed if Polanski opts for a 4-1-4-1 or an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation.

It's worth noting that Stöger and Sander started ahead of Leopold in the most recent friendly.

It is by no means guaranteed that Leopold will be a starter.

Furthermore, Florian Neuhaus's brace complicates matters.

Daiki Hashioka, Right Back

Daiki "Happy" Hashioka made an immediate impact as a central defender in the second half of the Rostock match, earning specific praise from coach Polanski. After contributing two assists in the dominant victory against Rottach-Egern, fatigue seemed to affect his performance in subsequent friendlies, and he was not particularly impressive in the first half of the most recent match. However, these performances are largely overshadowed by Schröder's "fullback refresh," which effectively guarantees him a starting position entering the season. It would be highly surprising if Joe Scally were to receive another opportunity.

Pre-Season Losers at Gladbach

Jens Castrop, Central Midfielder

This represents a significant loss for both the player and the club. Castrop was intended to be the linchpin of Gladbach's tactical rebuild. His long-term absence deprives the team of perhaps the most crucial "X-factor" that would have helped them at least aspire to rise above their usual mediocre performances. The author found it particularly frustrating to remove Castrop from his projected lineup. As previously mentioned, this development could potentially lead Polanski to adopt a 4-3-3 formation, but it is unlikely that the coach's handlers will permit such a change immediately.

Yukhym Konoplya, Right Back

This is another significant setback. The glimpses of the "red-headed rocket" early in pre-season generated considerable optimism. While it is impossible to prove definitively, some of the 26-year-old's early pre-season work strongly suggested he would make a successful Bundesliga rookie. For the time being, he must wait. Adapting to the league's pace will be more challenging without the smoother transition provided by the summer training camp. The Ukrainian international's ligament injury means he must bide his time.

Joe Scally, Right Back

This is a triple blow. The signing of Hashioka was a clear indication that Scally's opportunities would be limited. Currently, there are no reliable rumors linking the Long Island native with a departure. Nevertheless, the assumption is that Scally's time in the Bundesliga is nearing its end. The fullback, who was meticulously documented in the "Americans in the Bundesliga" column, remains a solid presence on the right flank. Scally has not experienced any discernible decline in form; it is simply time for both the 23-year-old and the club to pursue different paths.

Lukas Ullrich, Left Back

This is a straightforward disappointment. The German fullback, who repeatedly found himself the subject of the "Featherweight Battle of the Century" joke, finally unseated Luca Netz for the starting position, only to immediately lose his spot to a Bundesliga rookie one year his senior. Positional battles among players unlikely to progress beyond the U21 level exemplify the challenges of covering this club over the years. One must watch a significant amount of average football and somehow produce slightly above-average analysis. A sigh is appropriate.

Fabio Chiarodia, Center Back

Speaking of which... never mind. Let's stop here. While the author might wish to provide readers with more information about BMG prospects such as Iaia Manco Danfa, Fritz Fleck, and Mathieu Nguefack, it is no longer feasible. For every success story (like Rocco Reitz) the club produces, there are numerous youngsters who mature incrementally each year while battling injuries and dips in form. At a certain point, it becomes necessary to project the team's lineup and explain why another year of well-intentioned moves will not yield the desired results.

Onward to the next section!

Tactical Scout, Gladbach

More astute Bundesliga followers will undoubtedly have heard rumors of potential exits for goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas and defender Nico Elvedi. According to Schröder himself, Premier League clubs interested in them have not lodged any formal offers. The continued presence of Nicolas and Elvedi is currently one of the most certain aspects of this squad. Piecing together the full picture remains a speculative, if not somewhat disheartening, exercise. The team's dynamics could significantly change with Castrop's inclusion in the lineup.

PROJECTED LINEUP - BMG

Does this lineup suggest anything other than a 9th to 12th place finish? Naturally, being proven wrong can be a source of joy. However, with Gladbach, the author is consistently affirmed year after year. The club, much like certain stretches of the Autobahn nearby, is a perpetual "Baustelle" – a project perpetually on the verge of completion but never quite there. Schröder has addressed some immediate issues and improved certain areas. Perhaps these improvements will lead to some surprises.

Alternatively, it is possible that the unwelcome phenomenon known as "Gladbach Block" will return to the author's conscious thought. In the past, during the "Tactics Talk" column, the author had to find something interesting to write about Gladbach every week. It was no coincidence that whenever Gladbach was scheduled, it signaled a need for a lengthy break. This trend began during Adi Hütter's tenure and continues to the present day.

This is something the author wishes he could forget, or at least find someone at the sub-metering company to complain to. The newly branded "ista-foals" are perfectly functional, wonderfully adequate, sensationally credible, splendidly sufficient, and marvelously acceptable. It is time for a brisk walk around the block!

GGFN | Peter Weis