Return to Germany
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Rouven Schröder is back in Germany a little less than a year after moving from RB Leipzig to sister club Red Bull Salzburg – but no longer with the Austrian drinks manufacturer. Borussia Mönchengladbach has officially introduced the 49-year-old as the successor to the resigned sports director Roland Virkus. For the manager, who is contractually bound to the Bulls until the end of 2028, the Foals will pay a transfer fee that, depending on the source, is between 700,000 euros (“Sky Sport DE”) and 1.5 million euros (“Kronen Zeitung”).
“In addition to the experience, Rouven Schröder has the necessary skills and communication skills that are needed for this demanding task,” explained Borussia’s managing director Dr. Stefan Stegemann made the decision. “We are convinced that, together with the sports team, he will succeed in mastering the immediate challenges as well as successfully shaping the sporting future.”
Schröder, who has also worked as a sports director in Fürth, Bremen and Schalke, has a challenging task waiting for him at Borussia. The priority for the traditional club is likely to be the coaching question, which, according to the management, should only be decided upon the appointment of the new sports director. After separating from Swiss Gerardo Seoane, U23 coach and ex-Gladbach professional Eugen Polanski is in office on an interim basis and is considered the favorite for the position of head coach. Schröder should also have a say in this matter.
Borussia is the only Bundesliga team not to have won a game this season. The five-time champions achieved their last three-point win in the league in March.
Despite the long length of the contract, Schröder’s stay in Salzburg was no longer an issue, according to the “Kronen Zeitung”. The background is that he did not inform the club about his wish to change, which represents a breach of trust.