Bundesliga 2026/27 Tactical Previews | VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach

As the 2026/27 Bundesliga season approaches, our tactical preview series turns to VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach, now the sole "Verein für Leibesübungen" remaining in the German top flight following Wolfsburg's relegation. This early look at Gladbach is largely thanks to the swift and decisive actions of experienced administrator Rouven Schröder, who mapped out the club's 2026/27 roadmap immediately after the previous campaign concluded. While a tribute to Schröder's effectiveness will follow, this introduction will focus on broader themes.

Firstly, we revisit Gladbach's decision last autumn to implement corporate naming rights on their modern stadium. While some might seek immediate squad analysis, German football discussions often prioritize different aspects. The adoption of the "ista-Borussia-Park" name has generated some debate, but significant protest is unlikely, perhaps reflecting a general German inclination towards expressing dissent. For clarity in this analysis, we will refer to Gladbach as the "Sub-metering Club," a moniker they've earned through this sponsorship.

It's a somewhat ironic pairing: one of the Bundesliga's most consistently frustrating clubs in recent years partnering with a company notorious for those often inexplicable extra utility charges. It evokes a familiar sentiment of helplessness when faced with unforeseen costs, much like the frustration of discovering additional blanket fees on a utility bill with no clear recourse. It’s enough to make you want to shout, "Damn Jim!" for those extra lights.

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VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach

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Will this be the season Gladbach finally escape their mid-table mediocrity? The honest answer is no. While Schröder has overseen a necessary squad overhaul, significant upgrades haven't transformed the team into European contenders. Achieving that status will likely require at least another year. For new fans drawn to Gladbach by its long, Prussian-influenced name and the intriguing umlaut, be warned: becoming a Gladbach supporter can involve considerable suffering.

Major Personnel Shifts at Gladbach

Estimated Summer Transfer Balance = +€11.75 million

Schröder wasted no time in initiating changes after last season. His progression from Mainz to Schalke and then to the Red Bull system has demonstrated a consistent improvement in his administrative acumen. He learned from past errors, developing a clear strategy for Gladbach's next phase of development with remarkable speed.

A key decision was confirming Eugen Polanski's position as head coach for the upcoming season. Despite periods of struggle during his tenure, the team showed an ability to adapt to his tactics and deliver strong performances when momentum was gained. Their late-season victories against Dortmund and Hoffenheim hinted at the more dynamic football desired long-term. Polanski, thrust into his first major coaching role unexpectedly, managed the team effectively.

Polanski deserves more time. Schröder's decision to provide him with a guarantee, coupled with strategic adjustments and directives, was the right call. Polanski has received new assistant coaches, and the return to a back-four formation has been mandated. Furthermore, several promising signings from the 2. Bundesliga were secured before other clubs could act, showcasing Schröder's efficiency, reminiscent of a sub-metering company's ability to add unexpected fees.

Gladbach has acquired promising talents such as David Herold (Karlsruhe, €4m value), Isac Lidberg (Darmstadt, €5m value), and Enzo Leopold (Hannover, €4m value) for a combined estimated market value of €13m at a cost of just €6.5m. Leopold, along with promising players like Ukrainian right-back Yukhym Konoplya and potential new first-choice goalkeeper Daniel Batz (should Moritz Nicolas depart), arrived on free transfers. When Konoplya's injury threatened to disrupt plans, Schröder swiftly secured Daiki Hashioka on loan from Slavia Prague.

Schröder also brought in developmental prospects Zento Uno and Jan Leszczynski. While Leszczynski was not inexpensive, Schröder still has significant transfer surplus remaining, partly due to Rocco Reitz's sale to RB Leipzig and the unexpected willingness of a club to pay a decent sum for Giovanni Reyna. Schröder deserves credit for acquiring all new additions this summer, including rising Swedish winger Hugo Bolin, at favorable prices, solidifying his reputation as the man in charge of Germany's "Sub-meter Team."

Notes from Pre-Season, Gladbach

According to Schröder, Polanski needed a full pre-season to effectively implement his system. Through a well-scheduled series of friendlies, the BMG trainer achieved this goal. The "Fohlenelf" returns to their corporate-branded stadium with a clear tactical direction and a defined playing style. However, Jens Castrop's injury introduces an unforeseen element, potentially shifting the team from a projected 4-2-3-1 to a more attack-minded 4-3-3. Sometimes, unfortunate circumstances can lead to positive outcomes.

The pre-season began with a dominant 6-0 away victory in Wuppertal, where Hugo Bolin and Franck Honorat each scored twice. Wael Mohya assisted both of Bolin's early goals. This win set the tone for Gladbach's early pre-season performance. The team then faced a sterner test against RWE in Essen, securing a 2-1 victory with further goals from Bolin and Mohya. Young prospect Edin Biber unfortunately scored an own goal.

Gladbach's first glimpse of Polanski's mandated 4-2-3-1 in the second test fixture against Essen was described as clunky. Robin Hack struggled in the number ten role, and injuries to Yukhym Konoplya and the limited readiness of Tim Kleindienst disrupted the team's flow. Against Rostock, Polanski shifted Hugo Bolin to the number ten, with Hack moving to the left wing, and Florian Neuhaus rotating into the double six. While the first half remained disjointed, the team improved significantly in the second half, with Lukas Ullrich, Kevin Stöger, and Isac Lidberg scoring in a convincing 3-1 away win. New signing Daiki Hashioka impressed at center-back.

The 15-0 thrashing of FC Rottach-Egern during the official Tegernsee training camp provided limited tactical insights, though Mohya, Kleindienst, Iaia Manco Danfa, Shuto Machino, and the injured Jens Castrop all netted braces. Zento Uno also opened his unofficial Gladbach account. The 4-2-3-1, with Hashioka at right-back, operated smoothly in this non-competitive environment. More telling was the subsequent 120-minute scrimmage against Hoffenheim, which saw Gladbach dominate.

In a match that pleased many German football enthusiasts, Gladbach defeated Hoffenheim 4-1. After Hoffenheim's new signing Bambassa Conté opened the scoring, Gladbach equalized through marquee addition Lidberg. Robin Hack then leveled the score, and Lidberg capitalized on defensive errors to score twice and provide an assist in the final 30 minutes, securing a comfortable victory. The 120-minute format, with two hydration breaks, technically means it wasn't a full match.

The latest warm-up against fifth-tier SSVg Velbert, concluded today, was notable for Wael Mohya's injury. Robin Hack scored twice before halftime, and the second half saw an offensive explosion with goals from Iaia Manco Danfa, Florian Neuhaus (twice), Elias Vali Fard, Shuto Machino, and Fritz Fleck in an 8-0 rout. Machino and Neuhaus demonstrated impressive interplay on Neuhaus's first goal.

Winners from Camp, Gladbach

Isac Lidberg, Striker

While Tim Kleindienst and Robin Hack had unspectacular camps, they are not considered "losers" given their return from injury. Both are crucial for Gladbach's campaign. However, the narrative hinges significantly on the performance of the "Swedish connection," beginning with Isac Lidberg.

At 27, Lidberg is on the older side for a "Bundesliga rookie," and his 17 2. Bundesliga goals may not be replicated. If Kleindienst returns to form, Lidberg's playing time might be limited. While a 4-4-2 with a short-striker supporting Kleindienst is possible, Lidberg, despite his versatility, is more of a target forward. Shuto Machino might be better suited for such a setup, but a switch to a 3-5-2 is unlikely given the new coaching staff.

Lidberg's brace against Hoffenheim was an encouraging sign. He demonstrates good defensive splitting abilities and excellent positional awareness. His first goal showcased his acceleration and finishing, while the second was a well-positioned poach, highlighting his composure. He could potentially reach double-digit goals off the bench, much like Haris Tabakovic did last season.

Hugo Bolin, Attacking Midfielder

The scouting department deserves praise for Hugo Bolin, the other half of the "Swedish connection." He appears to be a starter over Hack on the left wing. After a slow start during his initial loan spell, the 23-year-old delivered a standout pre-season. Polanski utilized Bolin in various attacking roles, and he excelled in all of them. He is a valuable weapon who can be deployed across the midfield.

The twice-capped international has worked effectively in attacking midfield and scored his first Gladbach goal in the season finale. He is quick, creative, and, despite his slight stature, proved to be a goal-scoring threat during pre-season. If the author were coaching, he would prioritize Bolin over Hack.

Currently, Hack's recent performances suggest Bolin will likely occupy the number ten position.

Wael Mohya, Attacking Midfielder

This could be the year the €17m-valued talent breaks through. Six starts at the end of last season, combined with a pre-season where he displayed exceptional dribbling and skill, suggest he could permanently displace Franck Honorat. Schröder's deliberate strengthening of the fullback positions was aimed at increasing attacking speed. With Yukhym Konoplya injured, Honorat may become transfer bait.

This is provided the latest injury isn't serious!

Enzo Leopold, Defensive Midfielder

Like Lidberg, Leopold is entering his "rookie" Bundesliga season at a relatively advanced age. His ability to anchor the midfield in the German top flight remains to be seen. Castrop's injury places immense pressure on him. Alongside Philipp Sander, Leopold, a former Holstein Kiel captain, seems capable of holding the midfield together. How this makeshift pairing fares against stronger opposition will be a key indicator. However, Leopold might be sacrificed if Polanski opts for a 4-1-4-1 or an attacking 4-3-3.

It's worth noting that Stöger and Sander started ahead of Leopold in the most recent friendly, and his starting position is not guaranteed.

Florian Neuhaus's brace further complicates the midfield selection.

Daiki Hashioka, Right-Back

Daiki "Happy" Hashioka made an immediate impact as a central defender against Rostock, earning praise from Polanski. After two assists in the Rottach-Egern match, fatigue affected his performances in subsequent friendlies. Despite this, Schröder's "fullback refresh" effectively secures him a starting spot. Joe Scally is unlikely to get another chance.

Losers from Camp, Gladbach

Jens Castrop, Central Midfielder

This is a significant loss for both the player and the club. Castrop was intended to be the linchpin of Gladbach's tactical rebuild. His long-term absence deprives the team of a crucial "X-factor" that could have elevated them beyond their usual mid-table status. The author found it challenging to remove Castrop from his projected lineup. As mentioned, this could lead to Polanski adopting a 4-3-3 formation, though it's uncertain if the coaching staff will permit such a shift immediately.

Yukhym Konoplya, Right-Back

Another significant setback. Konoplya's early pre-season performances were highly promising, suggesting he could be a fine Bundesliga rookie. However, his ligament injury means he must wait to adapt to the league's pace. Without the benefit of a full summer training camp, acclimatization will be more challenging.

Joe Scally, Right-Back

The signing of Hashioka represents a clear demotion for Scally. While there are no concrete rumors linking him with a departure, it's assumed his time at Gladbach is nearing its end. Scally remains a solid presence at right-back and hasn't experienced a discernible drop in form. It appears to be time for both the player and the club to pursue different paths.

Lukas Ullrich, Left-Back

Ullrich finally surpassed Luca Netz for the starting left-back position, only to lose his spot to a Bundesliga rookie one year his senior. These positional battles among players unlikely to progress beyond the U21 level have characterized Gladbach's recent history, often requiring the author to extract engaging stories from largely uninspiring football.

Fabio Chiarodia, Center-Back

Much like the previous cases, it's difficult to elaborate further. While the author could discuss other Gladbach prospects like Iaia Manco Danfa, Fritz Fleck, and Mathieu Nguefack, the pattern of young players maturing slowly while battling injuries and form dips is a recurring theme. At some point, one must project the team's lineup and acknowledge why another year of well-intentioned moves might not yield the desired results.

Onward to the next section!

Tactical Scout, Gladbach

Rumors have circulated about keeper Moritz Nicolas and Nico Elvedi potentially departing. However, according to Schröder, no formal offers have been made by Premier League clubs. The continued presence of Nicolas and Elvedi is one of the few certainties for this squad. The overall picture remains speculative, if not somewhat disheartening. The situation would undoubtedly look different with Castrop available.

Projected Lineup - BMG (PROJECTED)

Does this lineup suggest anything other than a 9th to 12th place finish? While being proven wrong would be a welcome surprise, the author is tired of consistently affirming the same outcome for Gladbach year after year. The club, much like certain stretches of the Autobahn, is a perpetual "Baustelle" – a project perpetually on the verge of completion but never quite there. Schröder has addressed some issues and improved certain areas, which may lead to a few surprises. However, the dreaded "Gladbach Block" phenomenon, which required considerable effort to find interesting commentary for in the past, could return.

The trend of finding consistently engaging analysis for Gladbach began during the Adi Hütter era and continues to the present. It's a feeling akin to wanting to forget those challenging weeks, or at least having someone to complain to at the sub-metering company. The new-look "ista-foals" are perfectly serviceable, wonderfully adequate, sensationally credible, splendidly sufficient, and marvelously acceptable. It's time for a brisk walk around the block!

GGFN | Peter Weis