Tim Kleindienst, Kevin Stöger and Philipp Sander are the three new players at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Sporting director Roland Virkus explains the transfers so far and gives an outlook on what is still in the works.
Gladbach’s sports director Roland Virkus is focusing on the defense after the first transfers. picture alliance / BEAUTIFUL SPORTS
Since Friday, the new man for the number nine is also officially a Borussia player. Tim Kleindienst (contract until 2028) comes from Heidenheim and strengthens the Fohlen’s attack. “Tim is a real guy. Someone who is really keen to play for Borussia,” says Roland Virkus, who sees Kleindienst as much more than just a goalscorer.
The 57-year-old underlined this once again in an interview with Borussia’s club media. “His overall package is convincing, special and rare. He has a wide range for a centre-forward,” says Virkus, and continues: “Twelve goals and five assists for Heidenheim speak for themselves. He is also a hard worker, can inspire his colleagues and give them stability. He is strong in the air, can use balls as a target player, hold them, but can also go deep at speed. In short: We are proud that we were able to convince him to come to us despite all the competition.”
Kleindienst is often described as a “mentality player”. The attacker has taken on responsibility in his team at Heidenheim, and the same can be said about Kevin Stöger (coming from VfL Bochum) and Philipp Sander (Holstein Kiel), the other two new signings. “We pointed out last season that we were lacking a few attributes in the squad. Leadership is certainly one of them. All three players took on leadership roles in their clubs last season in their own way. Through their mentality on the pitch and by taking on responsibility in crucial situations,” emphasises Virkus. It is therefore possible that another leader type will be found among the next signings. For example, for the defence.
Changes in defence also planned – departure would increase financial flexibility
Changes are also being planned in defence. “We have now laid the foundation with three very important transfers. Of course, after the first transfers, we would also like to do something in defence, that is our focus,” says Virkus, revealing that “of course we have a few candidates in mind”. The sports director does not name any names – in the recent past, not only David Affengruber from Sturm Graz has been linked with the Fohlen. However, the implementation of further transfers will also depend crucially on the revenue side.
“It’s no secret that one or two departures would give us even greater opportunities to become active. Sometimes you have to be patient until a window opens. And sometimes an opportunity suddenly appears and you have to make a decision – like now with Tim Kleindienst,” says Virkus. So it may take some time before the squad is finally set – which is not surprising when you consider the situation on the transfer market. Virkus explains: “Don’t forget: the transfer window is still open for ten weeks. The European Championship is still running, plus the Olympic football tournament, the U-19 European Championship and the Copa America. There will certainly be a lot of movement in the transfer market.”
2024-06-24 12:15:00
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