Borussia Mönchengladbach head coach Eugen Polanski addresses sacking rumors | OneFootball

Borussia Mönchengladbach head coach Eugen Polanski has reacted to speculation that he will be dismissed at the end of the season. Polanski – who had never coached a Bundesliga club prior to his promotion from the Gladbach U23s – was initially appointed to lead the first team on an interim basis. Turmoil in the club’s front office led to Polanski receiving more time and, ultimately, a longer term contract in mid-November.

A series of rather uninspiring performances have fueled rumors that the club will opt for someone more experienced heading into next season. Club sporting director Rouven Schröder’s comments after yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Wolfsburg suggested that Polanski is on thin ice. Unless Polanski’s foals can deliver something more exciting in the final three league fixtures of the season, it seems likely that Gladbach will opt to change course. 

Eugen Polanski reacts to sacking rumors

“I don’t really read much news,” Polanski answered when asked about his job at the post-match press conference. “I’m really not aware of the rumors. This is the first I’ve heard of them. I find it curious when such speculation crops up. Perhaps you guys are party to conversations with the Borussia bigwigs that I’m not a part of. 

“I took this job to keep Borussia in the league,” Polanski continued. “I believe we’re on the right track. I’m satisfied with today’s result. Irrespective of what people write about today’s game, we stay true to our principles as a team. I’m confident enough to aver that, if I keep doing my job, I’ll be the coach next year. I don’t see why not.“

Will Polanski coach Gladbach next year?

In a “Relegation Check” piece on Gladbach, Get German Football News predicted that Polanski will (not necessarily in the most attractive of fashions) manage to keep his club in the league. The same article angered that a change in coaching regime this summer should also be treated as a certainty. The Niederrheiner simply require fresh impetus heading into next season. 

Polanski’s body language during this presser and several others over the last few weeks seems to affirm this. The rookie head coach appears extremely withdrawn and timid. One conjectures that the 40-year-old himself might fancy a return to the reserves. Polanski – not unlike former Augsburg head coach Sandro Wagner – appears eager to step out of the spotlight. 

GGFN | Peter Weis