Gladbach head coach Adi Hütter sees an outsider’s chance for the Fohlenelf in the second-round opener in Munich. On Monday, the Austrian explained what will matter in the game at the record champions – and spoke about possible squad changes in the winter.
Hütter is approaching the trip to FC Bayern with courage and confidence. Despite the Herculean task that awaits Borussia on Friday, the VfL coach does not see his team without a chance. “Munich is the most difficult away game. We’re going there as underdogs, but we’ll try to take our chances. Even FC Bayern, as good as they are, allow opportunities,” Hütter said on Monday. For his eleven, two factors in particular will be important in order to hold their own against the record champions, the 51-year-old explained. “We have to defend well and bring our running quality onto the pitch. Then we also have the chance to take something with us.”
Stability at the back and running performance – both points were often discussed around Borussia in the course of the Hinrunde. Especially the topic of running performance, which also includes the aspects of sprints and intensive runs, was “clearly addressed during the winter break”, Hütter revealed. “Because we are rather in the back third in many areas, and that simply doesn’t work.” And the high number of goals conceded is also a thorn in the side. Hütter commented: “We haven’t defended well in the last few games and haven’t behaved well tactically. We need to improve that as well. “
Question marks behind a quartet
Marcus Thuram returned to training on Monday after recovering from a cold, as did Jordan Beyer after overcoming a muscle injury in his thigh and a Corona infection. Jonas Hofmann completed a running session after knee surgery, but will not play a role for Munich. It is still open what will happen to Denis Zakaria, Joe Scally, Mamadou Doucouré and Keanan Bennetts after their positive Corona tests. They are currently in quarantine. “Maybe one or the other will come back soon. But it’s impossible to say for sure because it’s also related to the health department. As long as the CT scan doesn’t fit yet, there is no way for them to leave quarantine,” Hütter said.
Yet another transfer for Ginter and Zakaria?
It is no secret that there could still be changes to the squad in the course of January. Reinforcements are being sought and their financial viability is being examined. On the other hand, departures in particular are very possible. “It’s always the case that players come in during the transfer period who are not entirely happy with their minutes. With one or the other, we then have to see what we do. We will see what happens this month,” Hütter explained.
With Zakaria and Matthias Ginter leaving the club in the summer at the latest, plans are initially being made until the end of the season. If there is a lucrative offer, however, the personnel situation could change in the short term.