As Borussia Mönchengladbach get their Champions League campaign underway, the atmosphere surrounding the team is somewhat low key. There should be huge anticipation ahead of their first Champions League appearance in 37 years. "Lots of people think that we will be giving out points," said sporting director Max Eberl ahead of the match this evening (20:45 CEST), before pointing out: "What do we have to lose? Nothing!"
The trip to Andalusia was meant to be a moment of celebration, and the culmination of the unbelievable resurrection of the five time German champions. However, four losses in the opening four Bundesliga matches mean that Europe has been shifted down the list of priorities. Eberl openly admits that he would "rather win in Köln" on Saturday (15:30 CEST) than against Sevilla.
Hahn: "The match may turn out to be a welcome change"
Gladbach’s only advantage is the fact that them being in the so-called 'Group of Death' with Juventus and Manchester City means that the expectations are very low. What better opportunity is there for a team to find their top gear again in a game with relatively little pressure? "We have nothing to lose in the match, but we have to show everyone that we deserve to play at this level," said goalkeeper Yann Sommer. "The match may turn out to be a welcome change," added international player André Hahn.
In order to get something from the match, there is no doubt that the German side are going to have to up their game. A similar performance to the 3-0 loss against Hamburger SV will make it far too easy for the strong Spanish outfit. "There’s no miracle cure that will change everything instantly," warned Eberl. Manager Lucien Favre, who has not been brought into question, expects "a hard shift" from his players. The three days in between the two matches will hardly have sufficed.
The clash with Sevilla last February will not fill them with confidence. Borussia were on equal terms with the Europe League winners twice, but went on to lose both times (0-1 and 2-3). In the second leg, Granit Xheka saw red and is therefore suspended for the start of the new season, interestingly also against Sevilla. Martin Stranzl and Alvaro Dominguez are also out, leaving their defence somewhat depleted. "Our problems are more defensive as opposed to attacking," confirmed Eberl.
Eberl: "After rain comes the sun"
Despite all the doom and gloom surrounding the camp at the moment, there are a few bright sparks of optimism. 13,669 days have passed since Borussia lost 3-0 to FC Liverpool on the 12th April 1978 in the semi-final of the European Cup. Europe’s biggest competition is no daily event. "We can’t wait to hear the Champions League anthem," said Hahn. "We have worked hard for this."
Borussia are not the only team hoping for three points, as Sevilla too are waiting for a win after three matchdays in the league. Whisper it quietly, but maybe Gladbach could surprise everyone. "After rain comes the sun," said Eberl. He’s certainly right in one sense, as temperatures of 26 degrees are expected in Sevilla – a welcome change from the gloomy days in the lower Rhine region.
