Borussia Mönchengladbach manager Eugen Polanski has confirmed that a period of “shock therapy” was implemented during the team’s training week, following a disappointing start to their campaign. The frank assessment of recent mistakes comes as Gladbach prepare to face Freiburg on Saturday.
Polanski’s side has struggled defensively, conceding a series of costly individual errors. Speaking ahead of the weekend fixture, Polanski admitted there was little need to disguise the problems, stating, “When you have such blatant individual errors, it’s relatively straightforward.” He added that the players themselves had likely already recognised their mistakes before the coaching staff highlighted them. “I think the lads had already seen them themselves before we showed them,” Polanski said, emphasising the need to address the four goals conceded.
The Gladbach manager also stressed that responsibility for errors extends beyond the player making the initial mistake. He explained, “I think it’s about the individual mistake of the player concerned, but also about the reaction to it – the players around him who might still be able to rescue the situation.” Polanski noted that on at least two occasions, teammates could have intervened to prevent goals, highlighting the importance of collective response.
Despite the direct approach to confronting their issues, Polanski confirmed that the coaching staff also focused on rebuilding player confidence. “We also tried to pick the team up and strengthen them, especially the players who made those mistakes, and look ahead again towards today,” he stated. This dual strategy aims to correct defensive frailties while ensuring players remain motivated.
Borussia Mönchengladbach will now look to translate this intensive training into a positive performance and much-needed points when they host Freiburg. The upcoming match presents an opportunity for Polanski’s team to demonstrate their response to the “shock therapy” and begin to turn their season around.