After the next setback, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s sports director Roland Virkus expects an increase in performance in the four remaining games in the Bundesliga.
“It’s about ending the season sensibly,” he said after the 1-2 (0-1) defeat at relegation candidates VfB Stuttgart. “It’s our job to start the summer break in a positive mood.”
Fans turn away
He and midfielder Julian Weigl understand the frustration of the supporters, who turned away from the team after the final whistle. “The guest block is always full when we play away. But it doesn’t help if our fans dance with their backs to us,” said Weigl, who converted a hand penalty to make it 1-1 (78′). “That doesn’t give us any push, but it’s also not a reproach.”
Borussia, who had to end the game in Stuttgart with a man down after Ko Itakura was sent off (82nd), has only won one away game and only nine points in total. “It’s a stupid, annoying defeat,” said Virkus, who admitted after the third winless game in a row: “There is currently a lack of self-confidence.”
A change in personnel is imminent at Gladbach after this season. According to Weigl, he would like to stay. “It is a great attraction to continue to be part of this team and to push something. But things have to be changed,” said the 27-year-old. “We have to get hunger and greed back into the team. It’s not about qualifying for the Champions League straight away, it’s about constantly developing.”
