In the last quarter-final of the DFB Cup, Borussia Mönchengladbach is the clear favorite against third division team 1. FC Saarbrücken. Sports director Roland Virkus sees no alternative to victory.
The fickleness of the professionals Borussia Monchengladbach Roland Virkus has repeatedly irritated him in the past few weeks and months. The constant ups and downs are difficult to bear, and not just for the “Foals” sports director.
Most recently, after the strange and spectacular 3:3 in the Rhenish derby against 1.FC Köln, Virkus repeatedly chose the word “stupid” for his analysis. “Stupid mistakes, stupid turnovers, stupid fouls.”
It’s hair-tearing for the 57-year-old. Gladbach’s shortcomings have spanned the entire season so far and ensured that Borussia remained in no man’s land in the table.
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Clear expectations from the sports director
However, Borussia still has one last lifeline left that could present the season in a different light: the DFB Cup. On Tuesday evening (March 12, 2024, 8:30 p.m.), coach Gerardo Seoane has to play a catch-up game in the quarter-finals of the competition against third division team 1. FC Saarbrücken. On the actual date, February 7th, the pitch was unplayable and the game had to be canceled at short notice.
Now there is a chance for Borussia to reach the semi-finals. And Virkus’ expectations are clear. “As a first division team we are going to a third division team. There are no excuses, you have to win, that’s it”said the sports director.
However, the third division team has already put FC Bayern and Eintracht Frankfurt in their place this cup season. And of course, with this statement, Virkus increased the pressure on the coach, who had already come under criticism.
How is the new lawn?
A defeat would be a great disappointment, perhaps even an embarrassment. Despite the remarkable results in the cup, the Saarbrücken team are also placed ninth in the table of the 3rd league in no man’s land. It probably depends above all on the attitude of the Gladbach players.
“It’s clear that we have to go into the game with the necessary determination and aggression. We know the opponent and know what strengths they have,” Seoane said. From his point of view, the preparation is complete.
Now the only question that remains is what quality the newly laid turf in Saarbrücken’s Ludwigspark has. “The pitch is playable, that’s the most important thing, we’ll see what condition it is in on site,” said Seoane.
Lots of money in the pot
In addition to the historic chance of Borussia’s fourth DFB Cup triumph, there is also a lot of money in the pot. Around eight million euros in bonuses are to be distributed. This would certainly make it a little easier for Virkus to continue rebuilding the team after the season. In addition: With the relegation-threatened second division team 1. FC Kaiserslautern, a viable opponent awaits in the round of the last four.
From a financial perspective, this encounter is of particular importance for those responsible at Borussia.