Farke responds to Friedrich interview: "Take your chances!"
After revealing that central defender Nico Elvedi was questionable for the weekend due to ligament issues, Borussia Mönchengladbach trainer Daniel Farke took time to address recent public comments by disaffected center back Marvin Friedrich at his Thursday presser.
| Daniel Farke. | Photo: OneFootball |
This year, the 27-year-old has been unable to supplant Ko Itakura and Nico Elvedi when current BMG trainer Daniel Farke's preferred center-halves are fit. Friedrich vented his frustration in an interview with Germany's main sporting tabloid earlier this week. Farke had his first chance to comment on Friedrich's comments during a Thursday presser.
As it turned out, Farke did have an interesting piece of information to reveal. Elvedi may not be available this weekend against Frankfurt with ligament issues. The club gaffer not only ruled out any sort of sanction for Friedrich's comments, but suggested that the disaffected player might get another chance soon.
Farke still needed to emphasize that, in the process of filling in for the injured Itakura earlier this season, Friedrich hadn't exactly rose to the occasion. The specifics were laid bare in great detail as Farke proceeded to spend about ten minutes talking on the subject. The BMG trainer had the stats on hand.
"We have to look at the facts," Farke said, "We have conceded 19 goals in ten games with Friedrich in the starting lineup. In the games without him, we let in significantly less. You're always going to field the guys you feel will keep things tight at the back and guarantee points."
"We've recently completed two clean sheets," Farke continued, "That makes anyone who looks at it objectively wonder: what else should we change at the back? We can't do much better than we're doing defensively at the moment."
Farke went on to cite some of the non-natural center-halves that can play in Friedrich's position. Ramy Bensebaini, Christoph Kramer, and Tony Jantschke are all capable of playing the position. It might very well be the case that one of these actors takes Elvedi's place this weekend.
"With such competition, It's normal that you won't make many appearances," Farke said, "but of course I'm planning with Marvin this weekend. For me, the interview is not a problem. To him the message is clear. When you get a chance to play, take it!"