Borussia Mönchengladbach are in a peculiar position ahead of their final group game in this season’s UEFA Europa League: “Our situation is dangerous. If we lose, we’re out,” said Germany international Max Kruse ahead of the winner-takes-all clash with FC Zürich on Thursday (19:00 CET) in Borussia-Park. Anything is possible: Gladbach could top the group, come second or fall at the final hurdle.
“We want to win and to the top the group. It’s as simple as that,” said manager Lucien Favre on Wednesday ahead of the meeting with his former club. Victory would see Borussia top the group. A draw would guarantee progression. They could qualify even with a loss, but would then rely on a favour from Apollon Limassol.
Xhaka: "It’s like a cup final"
Borussia control their destiny, which is certainly an advantage going into the game. “It’s like a cup final and we want to make sure we top the group,” said Switzerland international Granit Xhaka ahead of a clash with his fellow countrymen. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer, the third player from Switzerland in the camp, added that “playing for a draw is not an option.”
“They beat Basel in the domestic league and on Tuesday night we saw how good they are against Liverpool,” said Favre. The VfL coach has the 3-2 defeat in Switzerland in the back of his mind. “We drew 1-1 and 2-2 against Villarreal. That says it all. Zürich are still in the race.”
Max Kruse’s availability is unclear just five days afer picking up a capsular tear in his right ankle. “Max took part in some rehabilitation exercises on Wednesday. It’s possible that he will be included in the squad,” said Favre, with Branimir Hrgota, who has been in fine goalscoring form in Europe this season, being likely to replace the Germany international should he not be fit. Central defender Martin Stranzl may also return to the team, despite being out for the past few weeks with a thigh injury.
Borussia-Park holds the key
The supporters will make the difference against Zürich: Gladbach have the highest Europa League average attendance this season. “We want to confirm qualification in front of our own fans. We want to finish top of the group,” added Sommer.
Borussia Mönchengladbach are in a peculiar position ahead of their final group game in this season’s UEFA Europa League: “Our situation is dangerous. If we lose, we’re out,” said Germany international Max Kruse ahead of the winner-takes-all clash with FC Zürich on Thursday (19:00 CET) in Borussia-Park. Anything is possible: Gladbach could top the group, come second or fall at the final hurdle.
“We want to win and to the top the group. It’s as simple as that,” said manager Lucien Favre on Wednesday ahead of the meeting with his former club. Victory would see Borussia top the group. A draw would guarantee progression. They could qualify even with a loss, but would then rely on a favour from Apollon Limassol.
Xhaka: "It’s like a cup final"
Borussia control their destiny, which is certainly an advantage going into the game. “It’s like a cup final and we want to make sure we top the group,” said Switzerland international Granit Xhaka ahead of a clash with his fellow countrymen. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer, the third player from Switzerland in the camp, added that “playing for a draw is not an option.”
“They beat Basel in the domestic league and on Tuesday night we saw how good they are against Liverpool,” said Favre. The VfL coach has the 3-2 defeat in Switzerland in the back of his mind. “We drew 1-1 and 2-2 against Villarreal. That says it all. Zürich are still in the race.”
Max Kruse’s availability is unclear just five days afer picking up a capsular tear in his right ankle. “Max took part in some rehabilitation exercises on Wednesday. It’s possible that he will be included in the squad,” said Favre, with Branimir Hrgota, who has been in fine goalscoring form in Europe this season, being likely to replace the Germany international should he not be fit. Central defender Martin Stranzl may also return to the team, despite being out for the past few weeks with a thigh injury.
Borussia-Park holds the key
The supporters will make the difference against Zürich: Gladbach have the highest Europa League average attendance this season. “We want to confirm qualification in front of our own fans. We want to finish top of the group,” added Sommer.
Sidenote: By finishing top of the group, Borussia could face some big teams in the first knock-out round, which takes place in February. One of the unseeded sides for the draw, which takes place on Monday, is Liverpool – who were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday night. Borussia and the Reds have a close relationship and if they were drawn together, two big parties would be guaranteed.
