Emotional annual general meeting
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Borussia Mönchengladbach’s supervisory board chairman Michael Hollmann expressed unusually clear criticism of the Bundesliga club’s sporting situation and announced that he would “exercise influence” in the future. Hollmann said on Monday evening at the club’s annual general meeting that he and his colleagues on the control committee were “fed up too.” “Of the table situation. But also of the way we maneuvered ourselves there.”
For his words, Hollmann received a lot of applause from the 1,623 members present. Criticism of coach Eugen Polanski and the style of play of the 11th place in the table has been growing for weeks, who are six points ahead of the relegation zone three game days before the end of the season. Sports director Rouven Schröder expressly praised Hollmann, but he did not mention Polanski by name. His assessment of the sporting achievements was all the clearer. “We have good players, but not really a team,” said Hollmann.
Gladbach boss Hollmann: Clear contradiction to coach Polanski
“It was just a shitty year,” complained the 68-year-old. “The worst was the game against Mainz. I thought I was going crazy. With every attack you were afraid of conceding a goal,” said Hollmann about the 1-1 draw on April 19th, when the Gladbachers became more and more passive after taking the lead and conceded the equalizer with a penalty in stoppage time. Polanski said after the game, to the astonishment of many observers, that he had never had the feeling that he had “conceded a goal”.
At the emotional event, Manager Schröder explained what he believes will be important in the future. “We need a really good window in the summer.” However, the market will develop slowly due to the World Cup, which is why money will only flow in late. Nevertheless: “We have to reduce the cadre costs.” And Schröder made it clear: “Despite lower squad costs, we have to improve the quality of the squad.” The Head of Sports called for courage – to change and be consistent and when making decisions. “Otherwise everything will stay as it was.” The Foals want to focus primarily on promoting their own young players: “We have really, really great players in our ranks. We will see them in preparation and at Tegernsee.” It is a “clear mission” to promote these talents.
Gladbach coach Polanski: We also need a few assholes
Coach Polanski, who took over as coach from Gerardo Seoane last fall, took the floor in the face of some criticism from the members present and confirmed grievances. “I lack a bit of greed for success,” said the former coach of the Gladbach regional league team.
“We have very, very nice characters. We also need a few assholes,” Polanski continued and promised: “The main goal is to stay in the league. Then I’m full of energy to change certain things.” The sporting regression of the former top club in recent years also caused problems for club president Rainer Bonhof. At the beginning of his annual report, the 1974 world champion burst into tears and also spoke of a “shitty year”. “I thought we would be more stable. Unfortunately that didn’t happen and we went through the ordeal with the team as we all stand here.”
