At Borussia Mönchengladbach, many football romantics are currently thinking back to the most successful time of the club. In the 1970s, the club became German champions five times and did so with extremely impressive football. The “Fohlenelf” inspired nationally and internationally, Hennes Weisweiler was the coach who made this possible for the club.
“Ball possession, combination game, dominance, joy of playing”
Daniel Farke, the coach of the present, is now reviving these memories. At his presentation on Pentecost Sunday, Adi Hütter’s successor made it clear that he wanted to revive the football of the club’s most successful decade. Away from the wild RB pressing style, back to fine football.
“In its tradition, Borussia Mönchengladbach stands for a lot of ball possession, combination play, dominance, wants to be the protagonist and decide in which direction the game goes. The club stands for joy of playingsaid Farke.My convictions are very well reflected there. And because of that, we all feel like it’s a very good fit between us. And then we have to show that on the pitch.“
A trainer with clear principles
Farke drew attention to himself at Norwich City when he made it into the Premier League twice with few means. And as an underdog in the English top league, Farke’s football was also impressive – even if relegation was unavoidable on the first attempt and elimination in Norwich on the second attempt.
“You can’t be like the flag in the wind, you have to be clear in your ideas and clearly define for yourself how you want to play football successfully“, according to Farke. “We want to show what values we stand for. The fans want the Colts Eleven who bravely try to win games and aren’t scared.“
Farke calms Rose and Favre concerns
Farke has already taken away a fear from many Borussia fans. Since Marco Rose’s departure to Borussia Dortmund, the issue of “exit clauses for coaches” has been a very sensitive one at the club. When asked whether he had anchored one in his contract, which runs until 2025, he did not answer specifically, but clearly: “I do not comment on rumors and contract content. But I stand for loyalty. And rest assured: if I commit to something, then 100 percent.“
And Gladbach is already fully committed to the new coach. The cancellation of number 1 solution Lucien Favre apparently left no wounds. “I had goosebumps when we had the first conversation. I am 100 percent convinced that he is the right one for us. It doesn’t matter what was before“said sporting director Roland Virkus.
Premiere in the Bundesliga
However, Farke is not indifferent to the fact that discussions were held with Favre before he was hired. Only it is not a disruptive factor, but a confirmation that he is in the right place in Gladbach. “Favre has done an exceptional job here. I would have found it strange if they hadn’t, as a fan I would have been disappointedsaid Farke.I also have a good feeling because this personality was tapped out. Because that shows the quality of the work here.“
Now it’s Farke’s turn (former coach at SV Lippstadt and Borussia Dortmund’s U23s) to prove the quality of his work. Gladbach is his first stop at the top level in Germany. “I then had five very intense years in England, now I have to adapt“, says Farke.