Blessin’s Gladbach debut ends in derby loss to Köln as recovery looms
New Borussia Mönchengladbach manager Alexander Blessin began his tenure with a derby defeat, as Saïd El Mala’s late winner gave Köln a 3-2 victory. The result leaves Gladbach facing a difficult fight to recover from a poor start, with Blessin having little time to work with an injury-hit squad.
El Mala, who recently extended his contract after a proposed move to Borussia Dortmund fell through, scored his first goal since the opening day with a trademark cut inside and finish. Gladbach were without Franck Honorat, Tim Kleindienst and Ko Itakura, while Köln also had absentees, including forwards Ragnar Ache and Thijs Dallinga; midfielder Ellyes Skhiri was stretchered off. Elsewhere, Freiburg beat Schalke with a late Kaisuke Goto header to extend their lead at the top.
- Blessin’s first match as Gladbach manager ended in a derby defeat.
- El Mala scored the winner for Köln, 3-2.
- Freiburg extended their lead at the top with a late goal.
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Alexander Blessin has recently been appointed manager of Borussia Mönchengladbach, one of Germany's leading football clubs in the Bundesliga. He has inherited a team that has made a disappointing start to the season and faces immediate pressure to improve results.
His opening match came against Köln, rivals from the same Rhineland region. Matches between the two clubs, known as derbies, carry particular significance and intensity given their long-standing local rivalry.
Blessin has had to work with a squad weakened by injuries, with several key players unavailable. The combination of a struggling team, an important local fixture, and widespread absences creates a demanding start to his new role.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Blessin in disguise? Gladbach must scale mountain after derby defeat by Köln”.