Gladbach in Crisis: Internal Strife and Tactical Failures Threaten Survival
Borussia Mönchengladbach’s season is spiraling out of control. After squandering a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Stuttgart, the cracks within the team are widening, and the pressure on coach Adi Hütter is mounting.
Veteran midfielder Christoph Kramer (31) has publicly acknowledged the existence of cliques within the squad, stating, “Anyone who denies the presence of factions and a lack of passion is mistaken. We have numerous issues to address.” This candid admission paints a bleak picture of a team fractured by internal divisions.
Adding fuel to the fire, Sky expert Lothar Matthäus has launched a scathing attack on forward Marcus Thuram (24), accusing him of lacking commitment since his summer transfer fell through. Matthäus labeled Thuram’s attitude as “disrespectful” towards the club, highlighting a potential lack of professionalism within the ranks.
The defensive woes plaguing Gladbach are further compounding their problems. Despite Hütter’s ultra-defensive tactics, the team conceded three goals against Stuttgart, bringing their season total to a staggering 51. kramer expressed his frustration, stating, “We were camped in our own half with all eleven players, yet Stuttgart still penetrated our box with ease. We can analyze the situation afterwards, but we need to prevent these scenarios from occurring in the first place.”
This criticism extends to Hütter’s game preparation,with many questioning his ability to effectively strategize against opponents. Even goalkeeper Yann Sommer (33), who delivered a stellar performance to prevent an even heavier defeat, voiced his concerns, stating, “Stuttgart completely outplayed us in the second half. Their dominance was evident in every aspect of the game.I’m left wondering how this could happen.”
The lack of a coherent plan B when facing adversity is a major concern for Gladbach. While manager Roland Virkus (55) continues to back Hütter, emphasizing the players’ duty, the urgency for a turnaround is undeniable.This Saturday’s clash against Hertha Berlin (6:30 p.m. / Sky) has become a relegation six-pointer,with both coaches fighting for their jobs. Hertha’s Tayfun Korkut (47) is also under immense pressure, making this encounter a high-stakes battle for survival.
Gladbach’s Crisis: A Deeper Look with world Cup Winner Jürgen kohler
the air in Mönchengladbach is thick with tension.Borussia are in freefall, plagued by internal strife, tactical flaws, and a leaky defense. this week, I sat down with legendary German defender Jürgen Kohler, a World Cup winner and former Bundesliga mainstay, to dissect the Foals’ crisis and explore potential solutions.
Me: Jürgen, looking at the situation at Gladbach, it seems like everything’s gone wrong at once. Cliques in the dressing room, criticism of players like Thuram, a porous defence, and now, even the goalkeeper questioning tactics. Where do you even begin to unravel this mess?
Jürgen Kohler: It’s a perfect storm, isn’t it? You can’t point to one single problem. It’s a collective failure that stems from a lack of unity and direction. When you have players openly admitting to factions within the squad, it’s a sign that the foundation is crumbling. That’s the first thing Hütter needs to address.He needs to bring the team together, rebuild trust, and make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction.
Me: You mentioned tactics; Yann Sommer’s comments about Stuttgart dominating the second half were striking. Is Hütter’s ultra-defensive approach simply not working?
Jürgen Kohler: It’s one thing to be pragmatic, but another to be stuck in a rut. Gladbach needs more than just parking the bus. Thay need a clear game plan, both offensively and defensively, that adapts to the opponent.When you concede three goals even while defending deep, it suggests a lack of organization and discipline.
Me: Now,Matthäus’s comments about thuram,accusing him of lacking commitment after a failed transfer,are pretty harsh. Do you think he’s right, and how can a coach handle a situation like that?
Jürgen Kohler: Look, I understand Matthäus’s frustration, but it’s not as simple as blaming one player. thuram is obviously talented, but if he’s not fully committed, it’s Hütter’s job to get him motivated. It might require a tough conversation, maybe even benching him for a while.
Me: This weekend’s clash against Hertha is a massive six-pointer. Both coaches are under immense pressure. What can Gladbach do to turn things around and avoid relegation?
Jürgen Kohler: Honestly, they need a complete reset. A win against Hertha would be a major boost, but it’s more than just the result. They need to showcase passion, commitment, and a willingness to fight for each other. If they don’t show that, it’s going to be a long, tough road ahead.
Me: Powerful words, Jürgen. It’s clear you agree with the severity of the situation. What’s your message to Gladbach fans?
Jürgen Kohler: Don’t lose hope. It’s darkest before the dawn. This team has talent, but they need to rediscover their spirit. And it’s Hütter’s responsibility to guide them back to that place.
Do you agree with Jürgen Kohler’s assessment of Gladbach’s situation? Can they turn things around? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
