Bundesliga: Pressure grows on Polanski after poor start

Borussia Mönchengladbach coach Eugen Polanski did not soften his assessment after his team surrendered a 3-1 lead and lost 4-3 to Bundesliga newcomer SV Elversberg. “For us, the game does not just feel terrible, it was terrible in the end,” he said.

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For us, the game does not just feel terrible, it was terrible in the end.

The defeat followed a 3-0 loss at RB Leipzig, leaving Gladbach pointless after two matches. Sporting director Rouven Schröder said a coach is fundamentally under pressure when games are not won. He also pointed to the collapse against Elversberg: “You cannot lose after taking a 3-1 lead. That is clear.”

Gladbach had improved offensively and led comfortably after 56 minutes, but the team then fell apart. The poor start has revived scrutiny of Polanski, who took charge in September 2025 after Gerardo Seoane was dismissed early last season. Polanski initially served as caretaker before receiving a contract through 2028.

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When you do not win games, you are fundamentally under pressure.

His future had already been debated controversially during the summer after Gladbach finished 12th with 38 points in a weak campaign. The club kept him but changed the assistant coaching staff and reshaped the squad. Unlike the previous season, Polanski completed the entire preparation period and had more influence over the team’s routines, leaving less room for explanations based on taking over midseason.

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You cannot lose after taking a 3-1 lead. That is clear.

Schröder said the club had wanted to create a sense of renewal, but that this had not happened after two matches. He rejected opening a coaching debate immediately, saying it was important not to tear everything apart after two matchdays. At the same time, he said the club had to speak clearly with one another this early in the season.

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It is important to stay clear-headed and not tear everything apart after two matchdays.