Thursday, April 9, 2009

Die Wölfe wary Mönchengladbach

Whether it is well scripted commentary for the media or merely the work of a well-spoken manager VfL coach Felix Magath knows die Wölfe needs to be wary Mönchengladbach as they venture to Borussia-Park this Saturday.

Carrying a unbeaten streak since the start of the Rückrunde with eight consecutive victories including last weekends lustful trounching of Jürgen Klinsmann’s Bayern München, Mr. Magath knows the situation is radically different with Borussia.

After a number of years of falling on difficult times Borussia overpowered their way through Bundesliga 2 last year before suffering through a dreadful first half of this season. However with their crafty leader Hans Meyer coming on board in late October the have clawed their way out of what appeared to be a sure-fire route to Bundesliga 2. While Borussia, respectfully is shy on sheer talent, they make up for it with intensity and a manager ready to pull out tactics not seen in decades including from the pages of Karl Rappan’s "bolt" to squeeze out points. While many will look towards Felix Magath, Martin Jol or Markus Babbel as leaders in the coaching front this year, what Hans Meyer has done is simply outstanding (see standings below).

Looking towards the match Bosnian play-maker Zvjezdan Misimović said of Borussia:

"Gladbach are battling against relegation and need every point. They will do everything in their power to beat us, but if we keep a cool head, we can take something from this game too."


Rückrunde table GP W D L Pts
VfL Wolfsburg
981025
VfB Stuttgart 962120
Hamburger SV 960318
Hertha BSC 95
1316
VfL Bochum
942314
Bayern München 941413
Schalke 04 941413
Borussia Mönchengladbach 933312
Borussia Dortmund 925211
FC Köln 924310
Eintracht Frankfurt 924310
Arminia Bielefeld 924310
Werder Bremen 92439
Bayer 04 Leverkusen 92439
1899 Hoffenheim 91629
Hannover 96 92349
Energie Cottbus 92167
Karlsruher SC 91265