A look back on 2021: going out of two competitions followed by an upturn in form

Continuing our look back at the year 2021, today we’re focussing on March and April. On the pitch, things started off poorly and then improved. A new coach was appointed, and decisions for the future of the squad were also made.

On the pitch

February’s poor run continued into March. The Foals lost 1-0 to Borussia Dortmund in a feisty encounter in the quarter-final of the DFB-Pokal, also losing Bundesliga games against Bayern Leverkusen and FC Augsburg. VfL dominated proceedings in Augsburg but missed numerous chances and a penalty through Lars Stindl. In the second leg of the Champions League round of 16, which was again played in Budapest, Rose’s side lost 2-0 to eventual finalists Manchester City and were knocked out. However, the following away game at FC Schalke 04 brought about a change. A 3-0 away victory ended the club’s run of nine competitive games without a win and gave way to a more successful period. The Foals won all three home games in April with an aggregate score of 11-1, including a 4-0 win against Frankfurt and a 5-0 victory over Arminia Bielefeld. The only defeat suffered during this time was in Hoffenheim, where the side surrendered a 2-0 lead. Borussia ended the month in seventh place, with just three games to go before the end of the season.

Memorable moments

On 13th April, the search for Marco Rose’s successor came to an end. Sporting Director Max Eberl announced that former Eintracht Frankfurt coach Adi Hütter would take over as head coach for the 2021/22 season. “We are very happy that Adi Hütter accepted. He is the best coach for the challenges and goals that lie ahead of us from the summer, both for our team and our club,” said Eberl.

Off the pitch

• Borussia extended the contracts of Tobias Sippel (until 2023) and Nico Elvedi (until 2024).
• Oscar Wendt announced that he would leave Borussia at the end of the season and return to his home country, Sweden.
• Borussia announced their business results for 2020. In the financial year 2020, the club generated an income of €163.4m.
• Borussia committed to promoting the fight against blood cancer, together with 21 other clubs from the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2.
• Borussia and CTS Eventim agree on a ticketing partnership, which improves and simplifies purchasing tickets for fans.
• Max Eberl wrote an open letter to the fans.
• Nico Elvedi played his 200th competitive game for the the Foals against Eintracht Frankfurt.

In words: Chief Executive Officer Stephan Schippers

“Borussia Mönchengladbach stands for a certain attitude. The club is run according to certain values and its actions are aligned with them. Long-standing, loyal fans and partners are aware of these values and appreciate them. Perhaps these values or this attitude are even part of the reason why they became fans of Borussia or became part of the club.”