Borussia Mönchengladbach have not won in Wolfsburg since 2003. That is set to change this weekend – but without Ramy Bensebaini.
Hopes for a comeback by Bensebaini were disappointed again this week. When the Foals take on Wolfsburg on Saturday (15.30, LIVE! on kicker), the Algerian will only have the role of spectator for the fourth time in a row. First he suffered a groin injury, now he is suffering from a foot injury. “He has trained indiviually but will not be an issue for the weekend yet,” Gladbach coach Adi Hütter said on Thursday.
At least regular goalkeeper Yann Sommer is in all likelihood available, even if the Swiss had to cut back a bit in training during the week. “We assume,” said Hütter, “that he will be back in final training. “
“Of course we want to continue where we left off. “
ADI HÜTTER
Summer’s qualities as a safe backstop are in demand in Lower Saxony. After all, Borussia have not won there for 16 games, the last away victory in the Autostadt dates back to 22 November 2003, when the visitors won 3-1 at VfL (goalscorers: van Hout, van Lent and Kolkka).
Still no point on a foreign pitch
That this streak is finally coming to an end is added incentive for Hütter, whose team also boosted their confidence with the recent 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund. “Of course we want to continue where we left off,” says the Austrian, but at the same time he knows what kind of opponent awaits: a “physically strong team” that is “tactically very disciplined”. Hütter was able to convince himself of this on Wednesday evening when he watched the Wolves’ Champions League match against FC Sevilla (1-1) very closely.
Nevertheless, the 51-year-old is sure he will find the right means for the match. He wants to “bring commitment, mentality and courage onto the pitch away from home as well” – and thus finally bring home the first away win. So far, Borussia has failed to score a point in three attempts. That’s another streak that should come to an end on Saturday.