16 points after twelve Bundesliga matches: The 2022/23 season is not really going as hoped for Borussia Mönchengladbach. In winter, the foals will probably invest in the squad again. The confirmed sports director Roland Virkus.
“We’re keeping our eyes open, observing the market very closely. Of course we want to add a few more skills to our squad, speed in all parts of the team always helps – healthy competition is also extremely important,” Virkus explained in an interview with the “picture“.
But that’s not all: Confronted with two names, the 55-year-old even puts the cards on the table in an unusual way.
“Of course we would like to have Zakaria here again. A player like that who can repair many situations with his speed would always help,” admitted Virkus, when asked about a possible return action by Denis Zakaria.
The Swiss midfielder moved from Gladbach to Juventus Turin in January 2022, didn’t find his way at all and moved on to Chelsea on loan in the summer. In London, however, the 25-year-old has hardly had a chance so far.
Gladbach boss plays with open cards
Robin Gosens has also noticeably taken a liking to Virkus. “I don’t know his salary, but it’s clear that he’s of quality. I can’t confirm the rumors about him, but we think about clever if-then deals all the time.”
According to “Bild”, Virkus is making it clear that a departure must be announced before a new player can be signed. Specifically, Marcus Thuram and Ramy Bensebaini in particular have repeatedly been traded as possible farewell candidates. Both are only under contract in Gladbach until the summer, an extension is not yet in sight.
“We don’t have to give anyone up and would even like to keep both of them here beyond the season. But the quality of possible new players obviously depends on the framework conditions we then have,” is Virkus’ telling comment. In other words, well-known newcomers will be hard to come by without participating in the European business. Trading in winter could therefore offer some advantages.