Seoane explains Stöger's surprising benching

It came as a surprise when it was announced that Kevin Stöger wasn't in Gladbach's starting line-up for Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Heidenheim.

Instead, head coach Gerardo Seoane opted for Alassane Plea in a central attacking role, with Robin Hack and Franck Honorat occupying the wings.

Stöger ended up watching most of the game from the bench, while Alassane Plea played a key role, setting up Gladbach's first two goals before winning the penalty from which Tim Kleindienst scored the third in a 3-2 win.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Seoane explained the decision.

"The decision in the attacking positions was made to have a little more threat in behind and one-on-one potential on the wings," he said.

"Robin [Hack] and Franck [Honorat], who have been missing in different facets of the game in recent weeks, did us a lot of good today."

Gladbach next travel to Mainz on Friday.