Borussia Mönchengladbach are threatened by the absence of Denis Zakaria for the away match at Mainz 05. Joe Scally, who should be back in the starting eleven on Friday evening, beckons a nomination for the US national team.
The recently so strong midfield centre with Zakaria and Kouadio “Manu” Koné could be blown up in Mainz. The reason: Zakaria is complaining of gastrointestinal problems. The Swiss international did not train on Wednesday. “We took him out today just to be on the safe side. Two days before a match, it might be a race against time. Hopefully, he will be treated by our medical team today so that he can return to training tomorrow. But one thing is clear: if Zakaria is not physically up to scratch and does not have the strength he needs for his and our game, then I will not take him along,” announced coach Adi Hütter at the press conference.
Hütter needs an eleven on Friday against the Mainz side, which is strong in two fights, that can fully compete in terms of intensity and physicality. “In Mainz, we can expect a game with a lot of power, a fast and straightforward game,” said the Austrian and immediately linked this assessment with a demand on his team: “We have to be good in the transition moments, show a clear head, play cleanly with the ball. Then we will have the opportunities we need to take advantage of. But if we don’t get into the duels and are not tactically disciplined, it will be difficult for us.”
In general, Hütter attested to the Mainz side’s “really good development” under Bo Svensson, saying the team plays “very strong in running and tackling and also has its actions on the offensive.” But of course the coach, for his part, wants to maintain his own successful course with victories against FC Bayern (5:0) and VfL Bochum (2:1) Hütter made it clear: “We have to continue where we left off. “
Scally for the USA? “Half a year ago nobody knew him “
Ahead of the national team nominations, things are getting particularly exciting for high-flyer Joe Scally. The 18-year-old beckons a first call-up to the US national team’s senior squad after his brilliant Bundesliga debut. Scally has had stronger performances than Sunday against VfL Bochum (2-1), despite a fine cross to goalscorer Alassane Plea in the 1-0 win, but there is no doubt the teenager is Borussia’s big discovery of the season. “Six months ago nobody knew him. Now he replaces Stefan Lainer quite excellently, you can let him play on the right as well as on the left. And word has spread as far as his homeland that he could now become an international.” Will that be the case after the Mainz game? Hütter: “If it does, that would be a huge joy for all of us. “
