Overview
- Borussia Mönchengladbach confirmed on Tuesday that Alexander Blessin has signed as head coach on a contract through 2028 and will replace Eugen Polanski after the club's early-season dismissals.
- The club is bottom of the Bundesliga with zero points and 16 goals conceded after four games, a run that prompted the urgent managerial change.
- Reporting indicates FC St. Pauli will not receive a transfer fee because of the timing of Blessin’s contract situation, and St. Pauli would instead realize immediate wage savings once he formally terminates his deal.
- Blessin will be presented to the media on Wednesday, will oversee a friendly at St. Pauli’s Millerntor on 3 October, and makes his competitive debut on 11 October in the Rhein derby at 1. FC Köln while several Gladbach centre-backs are on international duty.
- The appointment raises pressure on sporting director Rouven Schröder given Gladbach’s pattern of frequent coaching turnover since 2021, and early judgment of Blessin will hinge on whether he can quickly shore up the defence and produce improved results.