The 2026/27 Bundesliga has seen its first managerial changes. One day after the 0–5 defeat at SC Freiburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Eugen Polanski have parted ways. This comes as little surprise.
Three matches, zero points, 3–12 goals: Borussia Mönchengladbach’s record at the start of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season is a textbook example of a false start. Saturday’s 0–5 defeat in Freiburg once again mercilessly laid bare the Foals’ weaknesses – particularly in defence.
Sporting director Rouven Schröder refrained from expressing support for manager Eugen Polanski after the match, so the likely outcome was already becoming apparent. On Sunday morning, Polanski tendered his resignation. According to information from the Rheinische Post, the decision regarding Polanski’s resignation has now been finalised. There is currently no official statement from the club. Gladbach must now set about finding a successor. One possibility is that assistant manager Jan-Moritz Lichte (46) will take charge for the home match against Mainz. Lichte brings with him head coach experience from his time at Mainz 05, when Rouven Schröder was sporting director.
The parting of ways with the 40-year-old – who, as U-23 coach, took over the post almost exactly a year ago, initially on an interim basis and then permanently – comes as no surprise. At that time, his predecessor Gerardo Seoane – also after Matchday 3, but at least with one point to his name – had been relieved of his duties.
At the back, including the central midfield pairing, Borussia have recently appeared far from being ready for the top flight. On matchday 1, they conceded three goals in Leipzig; a week later, it was four at home against Elversberg; and now, five in Freiburg. Added to this was a yellow-red card for captain Tim Kleindienst in Freiburg. Ironically, it was the striker himself who had recently revealed tensions within the squad when he publicly criticised his teammates and was subsequently reined in by the club’s management.
Gladbach had finished the previous season in 12th place and were now looking to climb the table again after several lacklustre years. This coming Saturday, however, against 1. FSV Mainz 05, the priority is simply to ensure they do not go into the three-week international break without picking up any points at all. During this break, friendly matches are scheduled against Sportfreunde Siegen (24 September) and FC St. Pauli (3 October).
