Year in Review: Tough period followed by first victories

As we look back on 2023, we take a closer look at the months of September and October. Borussia endured a tough start to the season, but Alassane Plea helped secure the first victory of the campaign in Bochum.

ON THE PITCH 

Borussia conceded late on in a 2-1 defeat at home to FC Bayern. Goalkeeper Jonas Omlin had to undergo a shoulder operation after the game, keeping him on the sidelines until the winter break. Moritz Nicolas, however, deputised well for the captain. Despite trailing 3-0, the Foals recovered to draw 3-3 away at SV Darmstadt, but were then beaten again at home by RB Leipzig (1-0). Gerardo Seoane’s side finally got their first win of the season away at VfL Bochum (3-1). That was followed by a 2-2 draw at home to 1. FSV Mainz 05 and then a 3-1 derby defeat in Cologne. Borussia also had to deal with the absence of centre-half Ko Itakura. He didn’t play again in 2023 after an ankle operation. Gladbach took on 1. FC Heidenheim twice at the end of October inside a few days, winning 2-1 in the Bundesliga and 3-1 in the DFB-Pokal against the promoted side. 

STANDOUT MOMENT 

The Foals’ 3-1 win at VfL Bochum was not only their first victory of the season, but also saw Alassane Plea score his 50th goal in all competitions for Borussia. This came after a barren run lasting several months for the Frenchman, eventually coming to an end with his double on matchday 6. “It was definitely a difficult period for me, when I hadn’t scored for so long. On the one hand, it was very frustrating, but on the other hand, I knew that I would get the goal if I carried on working hard and giving my all. And then I finally notched a goal in Bochum,” said the 30-year-old. “It felt good. To reach 50 goals for Gladbach is really special.” 

OFF THE PITCH 

• Roland Virkus tied down two players to long-term contracts. Nico Elvedi (2027) and academy product Rocco Reitz (2026) both put pen to paper to extend their stays at Borussia 

• Semir Telalovic left the club after a year and a half to join Blackburn Rovers in the Championship 

• Veteran Tony Jantschke made his 300th competitive appearance for Borussia in the 3-1 win in Bochum 

• The Borussia foundation helped to open a welcome centre for Ukrainians in Mönchengladbach with a donation of €5,000 

• Nils Schmadtke, sporting director, and Mario Vossen, head of scouting, spoke to 40 members at the second “FohlenClub – Members Talk” at the FohlenWelt 

• Borussia and long-term partner MAN Truck & Bus agreed to extend their contract until 2026  

QUOTE 

Gerardo Seoane: “Getting three points is always good for morale and helps the development process. That being said, it’s not all about winning, it’s about the performances. We want to keep improvement at the forefront of our minds to put ourselves in a position to get more points.”