Borussia Mönchengladbach have departed for Italy. On Wednesday night, they will take on Inter Milan in their UEFA Champions League opener (21:00 CEST kick-off).
It’s a very different European holiday from what the club is used to. Normally, the players would be accompanied by sponsors, members of the press and more. In the current climate, however, the squad is travelling to Milan with the bare minimum of passengers. Once at the hotel, the Foals will only be allowed to leave for official appointments. These unusual circumstances have somewhat dampened the spirits ahead of Gladbach’s return to Europe’s elite competition. "The circumstances have obviously made it a different experience altogether, but we have to take on the challenges all the same and try to give our fans in front of the TV something to cheer about. Even though many are complaining about the situation, we’re trying to have a positive outlook," said head coach Marco Rose.
18 outfield players have travelled
At 14:30 CEST, the X38932 charter flight from Düsseldorf took off for Lombardy. Since UEFA’s current regulations for international games only allow 21 players per squad, Gladbach’s travelling squad consists of 18 outfield players and three goalkeepers. As the Foals set sail on their first Champions League away trip for almost four years, certain players are unable to embark on the journey. Valentino Lazaro, for example, who took part in team training again for the first time on Tuesday is still working on his recovery, as are Dennis Zakaria and László Bénes. Jordan Beyer misses out following a positive coronavirus test, while Andreas Poulsen is set to undergo shoulder surgery. Kaan Kurt, Mamadou Doucouré, Torben Müsel, Famana Quizera and Julio Villalba will also all stay in Mönchengladbach.
Press conference with Thuram and Rose
Upon arrival in Milan at around 15:50 CEST, the players and staff will get settled at the team hotel. Later, at 18:30 CEST, Marco Rose and Marcus Thuram will be answering questions at a virtual press conference. This season, the standard final pre-match training session at the ground will not take place, which is why the Foals completed a session this morning at BORUSSIA-PARK before travelling.
