Gladbach preview: “We want to remain unbeaten“

Julian Nagelsmann on…

…the opponent:

Of course I watched Borussia’s game against Manchester City. I think they adapted their tactics well for the game. Gladbach are able to vary their formation and change things up during matches. They should be a lot higher up in the Bundesliga table. They move the ball around well and I really enjoy watching them as a team. They are offensively minded and have some really talented individuals in their squad.

…the players:

Kevin Vogt is progressing well after his adductor injury but we don’t know if he will be able to feature on Saturday. We will make a decision on him on Friday. Eduardo Vargas rejoined the team in training after being unwell. Jin-Su Kim also returned to training after having his wisdom teeth taken out. I am really pleased that Pirmin Schwegler is back with the team, but it’s still too soon for him to make an appearance. Mark Uth is one week away from making a comeback. We will see if he is ready to be in the squad by then. 

…the sporting situation:

It’s really impressive that we are still unbeaten after eleven games. It’s great and we hope that we can keep it up. However, we are concentrating on our own development. We can still improve. Our game against Hamburger SV was a setback in terms of our development as a team. We didn’t dominate the game for the most part, and that’s what we aim to do. 

Former meetings:

TSG Hoffenheim and Borussia Mönchengladbach have met sixteen times in the Bundesliga. Hoffenheim have a good record against Borussia, winning six of the sixteen meetings, drawing five times and losing five times. The last time TSG beat Borussia was on 15th September 2013 thanks to goals from Anthony Modeste and Kevin Volland.

The form of the opposition:

Gladbach have a lot of depth in their squad. Thorgan Hazard and Raffael are both back after a few weeks out. André Schubert’s team have not won any of their last six Bundesliga games. They are lacking confidence in front of goal. Gladbach were the better side when they played FC Köln last weekend but Köln were better at converting their chances.

Key battles:

Passing and running. It sounds boring, but it will be key in Saturday’s game. Both teams like to be on the ball. Gladbach are the third highest passing team in the Bundesliga this season, Hoffenheim are sixth. The teams will be fighting over control of the game.

 

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