The green hoodie is staying in the wardrobe. For the clash with Manchester City, André Schubert will actually be getting suited up. "Jürgen Klopp had to force himself into a suit – if he can manage it, then surely I can," said the usually casually-dressed Borussia Mönchengladbach manager who is excited ahead of his managerial Champions League debut: "It’s going to be a great day."
The dress code will no doubt be the least of Schubert’s worries when Borussia’s first ever Champions League home game for 37 years gets under way at 20:45 CEST tonight. Max Eberl talks about “possibly the richest squad in the world” in relation to Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Agüero. "Who knows, City might only field eight players" – said the sporting director, jokingly.
Schubert: “City are not unbeatable”
City will not be easy for Borussia by any means, but the Foals will not be hiding. "Manchester City are a very good team, but they’re by no means an unbeatable opposition, we will not be intimidated by their quality," said Schubert, who has relieved the tension at the club with two Bundesliga wins against Augsburg and Stuttgart. After the 3-0 defeat to Seville, Gladbach are looking for a fresh start in the Champions League as well.
The excitement has returned at least, unlike two weeks ago in Spain. "I can hardly wait to hear the Champions League anthem at Borussia-Park," said Patrick Herrmann. Switzerland international Granit Xhaka is even hoping for a bit of arrogance from the opposition: "I don’t know, if their players even know who we all are. But they will see."
Two defeats in a row for Manchester City
The opposition’s current form gives Borussia hope as well. In the Premier League, City have lost two games on the trot against West Ham (2-1), then away at Tottenham (4-1). In the Champions League, they lost their opening game to Juventus 2-1. Manager Manuel Pellegrini is feeling the pressure
André Schubert on the other hand is very relaxed going into the game. Although this big stage is a whole new world for the interim manager. Had Lucien Favre not unexpectedly resigned, the former U23 coach would currently be preparing for the Regional league game at SC Wiedenbrück on Friday. Instead, the Blues of Manchester are coming to town. No problem, said Schubert: "I’m a football manager, whether there are 200 people watching, or 50,000."Schubert jokes: "I’m still unbeaten against Manchester City"
At least a point is necessary for Borussia to still have a chance of getting through the ‘group of death’. "Obviously we’re playing against a team that has much bigger aspirations than us," said Schubert ahead of the clash in his hometown Mönchengladbach, which was once known worldwide as the ‘Rhineland’s Manchester’. Because of the cotton industry, not because of the football. Schubert knows, however, what to do against the Citizens: At the end of August, he managed the U23s to an impressive 1-1 draw against the Sky Blues’ academy team in the Premier League International Cup. "So I’m unbeaten against Man City," said the 44-year-old.
So Schubert – dressed for the occasion – will be hoping for the next upset tonight. At least his famous green hoodie will be seen in the crowd on one or the other fan. The Borussia fan shop is now selling replicas as fan merchandise. "This hoodie does not just suit André Schubert," is the strap line. And the boss will have to make do without against Manchester City.
