Gladbach mainstay Jantschke signs on for another year
In a move that might potentially have some ramifications for the future of squad captain Lars Stindl, Borussia Mönchengladbach announced that they had signed veteran defender Tony Jantschke to a one-year-contact extension on Thursday.
Thirty-two-year-old defender Tony Jantschke will play one more season with the club he's represented for 17 years. The Westphalian foals confirmed an extension of Jantschke's expiring contract on Thursday afternoon. As part of the announcement, the BMG revealed that their long-time representative would remain with the club after his active playing career ends.
Jantschke has never represented another club professionally in his long-playing career. He joined the foals in 2006 from his academy club of FV Dresden Nord. Since then, he's made 315 appearances for them across all competitions, including 22 deployments for BMG II.
"Tony has been with Borussia for almost 17 years and is one of the defining faces of this club," Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus noted in a statement accompanying the signing, "He is an important pillar within the team and his word carries weight. We are so pleased that Tony will remain with the team beyond his active career and contribute his experience."
"I've seen it all," Jantschke himself said, "from relegation to the Champions' League. I'm very pleased that there will be one final chapter. The fans here honor my long-term commitment to the club and show me a lot of appreciation. Of course, I'm aware of my place within the team now, but I still feel as if I can make a contribution."
Jantschke has made only six appearances (one start) for Daniel Farke this year. It does appear as if more playing time next season may not be forthcoming, even if the veteran demonstrated that he could be reliably called upon in his one deployment in the XI. Gladbach will find themselves in need of leadership in the locker room, particularly if captain Lars Stindl departs this offseason.
Stindl has given vague and evasive answers whenever asked about his future plans. The current squad skipper has widely been thought to be leaning towards a return to his hometown club of Karlsruhe. Some new news concerning the KSC may influence this development. KSC sporting director Oliver Kreuzer - with whom Stindl was rumored to be negotiating - was sacked by the Baden club this week.