2022 in review: Ending on a positive note and a special international game

During our look back at 2022, we dive into the months of May and June. Alongside the conciliatory ending to a difficult season, these months were marked by solidarity and changes to the coaching staff.

ON THE PITCH

In May, the Foals closed out their Bundesliga season on a high. Despite being outnumbered for 30 minutes in their clash against RB Leipzig, they came out on top 3-1. In the final away game of the season, Borussia earned a 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, before celebrating an emphatic 5-1 win over TSG Hoffenheim to end the season. At the end of the match, the club announced that they were parting ways with head coach, Adi Hütter. “After multiple intense and respectful conversations, we have come to the mutual decision to go our separate ways. It is a shame and very sad since I really felt at home here, but unfortunately, the performances on the pitch did not live up to expectations,” said the departing head coach.

STANDOUT MOMENT

On 11th May, the club welcomed the Ukraine national team to BORUSSIA-PARK for a friendly and fundraiser, and in doing so, stood in solidarity and in support for peace. It was the first game for Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion, providing the visitors with useful preparation ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier. Around 20,300 spectators created a special atmosphere with their range of acts of solidarity during the 2-1 win for Ukraine: alongside the constant “Ukraine” chants, blue and yellow were the stand out colours during the special event at the home of the Foals. Mykhailo Mudryk and Oleksandr Pikhalonok netted for the visitors, while Conor Noß was on the scoresheet for the hosts. The match raised around €141,000 and was only one of the many acts by Borussia that supported the people of Ukraine affected by the war.

OFF THE PITCH

• In addition to Matthias Ginter, who left for SC Freiburg having played 179 times for the Foals, Borussia said goodbye to Keanan Bennetts, László Bénes and Andreas Poulsen. The club also parted ways with head coach Adi Hütter after only just one season. Borussia also bid farewell to kitman Rolf Hülswitt and fitness coach Markus Müller after 37 and 5 years respectively at the club.
• Yann Sommer was voted by the fans as Borussia’s Player of the Season 2021/22. “The fans have a unique perspective of our performances. That’s why I am very honoured to receive this award. It is a great sign of support,” said the Swiss keeper.
• Borussia extended the contract of Patrick Herrmann (until 2024), Jonas Kersken (until 2025) and Moritz Nicolas (until 2026) and handed Yvandro Borges Saches his first professional contract. The club also signed 20-year-old Dane, Oscar Fraulo from FC Midtjylland.
• At the start of June, Daniel Farke was announced as the new head coach of the Foals. The 45-year-old signed a deal with the club until 2025. On 24th June, Borussia began their preparations for the new season with their new head coach at the helm.
• After two years, the cooperation between the Foals and U23 head coach Heiko Vogel came to an end. Eugen Polanski was named as his replacement, having previously been head coach of the U17s.
• On 14th June, Germany played their eighth international at the home of the Foals. In the UEFA Nations League, Hansi Flick's dismantled the reigning European champions Italy 5-2. Around 44,000 fans watched the goal fest inside BORUSSIA-PARK.
• Dr. Stefan Stegemann, chairman of the executive board of Sonepar Deutschland GmbH and president for Sonepar Central and Northern Europe, was elected to Borussia's presidential board as the successor to the late Siegfried Söllner. Former media director Markus Aretz also moved up to the executive board.
• The club’s sponsorship with flatexDEGIRO AG was extended until 2027, and the partnership between Borussia and Puma was also extended for the long term. The Foals introduced the IT consulting company suresecure and the sports betting provider Interwetten as their new joint sponsors.
• For the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, club members were able to attend the annual general meeting in person. Around 1,800 members came to BORUSSIA PARK for the event at the end of May.

Statement:

Daniel Farke: “We want to develop common values here at Borussia and live by them every day - on the training pitch and in every single match. If we manage to do that, we will once again achieve what Borussia has always stood for. There is great unity at the club, with our fantastic fans. They simply want to see a Foal’s team that is courageous and aggressive. They want a team that is not always flawless, but that takes on their opponents with courage. We want to awaken this spirit. If we succeed at that, we will also bag a good position in the league table.”