Much to ponder for Gladbach in international week
After six wins in a row, Borussia Mönchengladbach dropped their first points under Andre Schubert in Matchday 12's goalless draw with FC Ingolstadt 04.
Straining every sinew
It was a highly frustrating afternoon for Schubert’s charges against the newly-promoted side, but with a two-week break now to come, they can look back with much satisfaction on a run of seven matches – four wins and three draws – in 21 days.
Gladbach are not the first big name to have been frustrated by Ingolstadt’s organised and resolute approach this season. VfL Wolfsburg were held to an identical result back on Matchday 4, and Die Schanzer had conceded just nine times in 11 matches prior to Saturday’s encounter at the BORUSSIA-PARK.
Gladbach’s day was made worse by a red card shown to captain Granit Xhaka, but Borussia nevertheless continued to push for a winner, and Schubert was delighted with their commitment. “Full credit to the team. They gave everything even with a man down,” he said. “They carried on trying to score even when I was thinking a point would have been okay.”
Instant impact
The players’ mentality is a testament to the work Schubert has done in his short time as head coach. Borussia’s six wins in his opening six matches represent the second-best start made by any Gladbach coach, and after being bottom five games into the season, the Rhineland club are now sixth.
In the end, he fell just two wins short of Udo Lattek's record of eight victories from the opening eight games in charge, but the unassuming, infinitely positive Kassel native has already proven his credentials to be offered the job of head coach on a long-term basis.
Eberl: ‘Clarity wouldn't hurt’
Indeed, while the players can rest up for two weeks ahead of the visit of Hannover 96 on Matchday 13, Schubert’s immediate future now appears to be the biggest issue for the Foals over the international break, judging from sporting director Max Eberl’s comments at the weekend.
“Andre’s been with us for four months. For two months he coached the Under-23s and for the next two he’s been with the first team. Now, for the first time we have a period where we can take stock and discuss things.
“I’ve said repeatedly that he’s doing really great work and that we’ve not entered into talks with any other coaches. We will have a chat with one another [during the international break] but I can’t say what will come out of them, so let’s wait and see. What I will say, though, is that some clarity wouldn’t hurt.”
