Optimism and promise filled the air of Borussia-Park before the start of the season; beloved coach Lucien Favre had just accomplished Champions League qualification for the club’s first time since its reform in 1992 and Foals fans were licking their lips at the thought of midweek European fixtures. However, after five straight league losses and a hammering at Sevilla in their first group game, Favre’s time was up and although his resignation was only reluctantly accepted by the club, up stepped a new challenger, up stepped Andre Schubert.
Initially appointed as interim manager, the pressure was on the ex-professional to earn himself a full-time contract. After three consecutive Bundesliga victories, Schubert had been quoted to say that “football is a simple game”, and he’s certainly making it look that way. Since his appointment on the 21st of September, the rejuvenated Monchengladbach side have lost just 1 of their last 16 games and now getting the best out of his attackers; they are playing with freedom and scoring goals for fun.
After Saturday’s impressive 3-1 victory over the unbeaten Bayern Munich, Schubert’s side have now gone 10 league games in a row without defeat and are the league leaders in points and goals scored since the arrival of the 44 year-old. Obviously, these incredible turn of events in Monchengladbach have earned Schubert his full-time contract and although Champions League qualification is out of reach, he will be looking to upset the odds in Manchester on Tuesday night in group D’s final fixture.
Looking to avoid an upset is Manuel Pellegrini: despite being the only manager to defeat Monchengladbach under Schubert, the Chilean has had torrid times at City of late. The loss at Stoke being the most recent example of City’s disappointing form of late and since losing to Juventus, top-spot is now out of City’s hands and a home win tomorrow night is required. With key players such as Kompany, Toure and Aguero injured, can City keep out in-form Borrusia Monchengladbach?
