No guaranteed starting spot: Polanski sends clear message to Kleindienst | OneFootball

No guaranteed starting spot: Polanski sends clear message to Kleindienst | OneFootball

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OneFootball

·27 November 2025

No guaranteed starting spot: Polanski sends clear message to Kleindienst

Article image:No guaranteed starting spot: Polanski sends clear message to Kleindienst

At Borussia, Tim Kleindienst is finally back in the squad after his severe knee injury, and during the away win against Heidenheim, the Gladbach captain was even able to play a few minutes again.

However, despite his special status in the team, a return to the starting eleven of the Foals is far from guaranteed. On one hand, TSG loanee Haris Tabaković is currently in excellent form, and there is little reason to bench the striker.


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On the other hand, coach Eugen Polanski tempered premature enthusiasm, making it clear in response to a 'Bild' inquiry: "You could see in their eyes after their substitutions how happy they were to finally be back on the field and with the team. For Tim and Robin, things are definitely moving in the right direction, but it's also clear that they still have a lot to work on."

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The goal is to gradually increase the playing time for the returning players Hack and Kleindienst. Nevertheless, both must also prove themselves in training. "We adhere to the principle of performance," the coach continued.

It doesn't sound like a guaranteed starting spot for captain Kleindienst just yet.

Kleindienst or Tabaković – which striker should Polanski rely on in the upcoming games? Share your opinion in the comments.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.


📸 Alex Grimm - 2025 Getty Images

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