“That defeat really hurts” – Gladbach react to derby loss

Borussia Mönchengladbach have reflected on their 2-1 defeat to Köln in the Rhine derby, with head coach Alexander Blessin remaining positive despite the disappointing result.

Alexander Blessin tasted defeat in his first game in charge of Gladbach

Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images

Borussia Mönchengladbach suffered a 2-1 defeat in the Rhine derby, despite Joe Scally’s first-half equaliser. Said El Mala ultimately secured all three points for Köln, handing Blessin a defeat in his first game in charge as the Foals remain rooted to the bottom of the table without a point.

Despite the setback, Gladbach’s head coach chose to focus on the positives from his side’s performance.

“Of course, we’re all unhappy to have lost the derby. We came here wanting to get something from the game, but I can’t be too critical of the lads. They gave everything for 90 minutes and were well organised for long spells. Even conceding the opening goal didn’t knock us out of our stride. We stuck to our plan and deservedly equalised.”

Blessin continued by acknowledging the areas his side still need to improve, while praising their determination throughout the contest.

“There’s still plenty for us to work on, and we need to cut those things out quickly. At the same time, we also have to recognise that the team kept going for the full 90 minutes and fought right until the end to try to avoid defeat.”

Midfielder Philipp Sander, meanwhile, made no secret of his frustration at the result, believing Gladbach had done enough to take something from the game.

“The defeat really hurts. We had enough chances to score at least twice. I thought we were the better side, particularly in the first half. We did a good job of putting pressure on the ball, pushing up together as a team and picking up the second balls. We just didn’t reward ourselves for the effort we put in.”

Robin Hack shared Sander’s disappointment but insisted he remained confident that Gladbach could turn their fortunes around, despite their difficult start to the campaign.

“We’re hugely disappointed, and rightly so. We played well in the first half and responded after going 1-0 down. At the start of the second half, we lost our rhythm and allowed the game to get away from us. After going 2-1 down, we needed to offer more and play with greater purpose going forward. Of course, it’s tough to be sitting here without a point after five games. But there are still plenty of matches left to put points on the board. I trust this team and I’m staying positive.”

Gladbach will now turn their attention to another struggling side, Hoffenheim, who visit Borussia-Park next weekend. Although it remains early in the season, the fixture is already taking on added significance, with the Foals desperate to secure their first points and restore some confidence after a difficult opening to the campaign.