Overview
- Sporting director Rouven Schröder said Polanski can continue only by winning the upcoming games and by demonstrating strong player response.
- Polanski’s first victory as interim came in the DFB-Pokal against Karlsruher SC, a 3:1 that eased immediate pressure but did not settle his status.
- Gladbach followed with a 4:0 away win at St. Pauli, where Florian Neuhaus started and intercepted a pass that set up Haris Tabakovic for the opener.
- After praising Kevin Stöger for work rate and set-piece delivery, including the corner for Nico Elvedi’s cup goal, Polanski rotated him to the bench as Neuhaus took a flexible midfield role.
- Polanski described his focus as greater defensive compactness and possession in better areas, noting daily improvement ahead of the Köln match and the international break evaluation window.