Bundesliga News

Three reasons Gladbach have been so good this season

By Rune Gjerulff   @runegjerulff

Why are Borussia Mönchengladbach suddenly so good? We have identified the three main factors behind their great form.
Alassane Pléa has made a strong start to life at Gladbach.
Alassane Pléa has made a strong start to life at Gladbach.Photo: Borussia Mönchengladbach
The coach and his new system
After an average 2017/18 season that saw Gladbach finish ninth, there were doubts about Gladbach coach Dieter Hecking whose contract runs out next summer. But the former Wolfsburg coach is likely to be offered a contract extension soon after proving himself so far this season. His new 4-3-3 system works extremely well, and he has been rewarded for his faith in Jonas Hofmann and Florian Neuhaus who have both been excellent in central midfield. In addition to that, Hecking has shown that he has the ability to surprise the opponent as he did when he put Lars Stindl up top and moved Alassane Pléa to the left against Bayern München. 16 minutes into the game, which ended with a 3-0 win to Gladbach, both players had already scored.


The dangerous striker
During the summer, Alassane Pléa joined Gladbach from OGC Nice for €23 million, thus becoming the club's record signing - and it's safe to say he has lived up to the expectations so far. In his first seven Bundesliga appearances, the French striker has netted five times. It's hard to find any weaknesses about Pléa who is quick, energetic, physically strong, technically gifted, and - above all - a great finisher. 'Die Fohlen' have been lacking a striker like him.

The defensive boss
Matthias Ginter clearly thrives with the increased responsibility he has been given after Jannik Vestergaard's move to Southampton. The 24-year-old has been rock solid and has clearly been among the Bundesliga's best centre-backs this season. Despite the former Dortmund defender's calm nature, he has shown that he isn't afraid to yell on the pitch if necesarry. "Matthias has very positive charisma and that influences the others," Hecking has said of Ginter.


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