On Tuesday, Rainer Bonhof took over as the new president of Borussia Mönchengladbach. One of his first official acts was to support the current coach.
The new president of Borussia Mönchengladbach: Rainer Bonhof. IMAGO/Revierfoto
After 20 years, Rolf König gave up his position as Borussia’s boss and Rainer Bonhof moved up to the leading position. In a phase in which there is a lot going on in terms of sport. There was already more sunshine around the foals, and not just during Bonhof’s active time.
Most recently, the fans went to the barricades and refused to support the team in the 1-1 draw in Heidenheim – understandable after the embarrassing exit in the cup quarter-finals against third division team 1. FC Saarbrücken (1:2).
A season of upheaval was already being promoted, but Borussia’s supporters aren’t the only ones arguing that it could be a little more than 12th place. It’s logical that coach Gerardo Seoane, who only took over in the summer but is experiencing the worst season with his team in 13 years, also comes under fire.
Seoane is the man who can fix it.
Nevertheless, Bonhof is completely convinced of the trainer’s qualities. “Gerardo is exactly the right coach, there are many reasons for that,” said Borussia’s legend in an interview with Rhenish Post. And lists: “Firstly, because he decided for us and our path without any ifs or buts. Then I see him on the training pitch, how he takes the boys and goes into detail with them: throw-ins, taking the ball, one-on-one -One thing, it’s being worked on. I haven’t seen any of this in a long time. Seoane is the man who can fix it.”
In any case, the former world-class player sees many examples in the development of young players who have taken the next step under Seoane. “There are results: we have the development of a Robin Hack, we have a Florian Neuhaus, who persevered and is now performing, or we have Rocco Reitz, with whom we have made the right adjustments.”
First Bonhof was a player, later a coach, then vice-president for many years, and now President of Borussia. A logical development, Rolf König’s predecessor had suggested the 71-year-old as his successor. “You carry the diamond in your heart with you your whole life,” says Bonhof. “The club, the fans, the members, the whole city, everyone is incredibly infected with Borussia. And the players, the coaching team and everyone who has to do with the team feel that.”
Vice President Hannelore Kraft can “provide impulses”
Incidentally, Bonhof is not the only celebrity in Borussia’s leadership: Hannelore Kraft, the new vice president, was Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia for seven years and was therefore the first woman to head the state government in the most populous federal state. And the politician is a Borussia supporter through and through. “I get the impression that not many people knew that she was a Borussia fan,” said Bonhof in an interview with the Rhenish Post. “I knew: If the opportunity ever arises, we have to do something with Hannelore. She has a great reputation, plus her personality, she can give impulses from outside with her sensitivity to people.”
On Holy Saturday, Gladbach’s management team will experience a Bundesliga game in Borussia Park for the first time with a new line-up, then SC Freiburg will introduce themselves in Mönchengladbach. Bonhof wanted to get a tip in conversation with the RP not let him in, but he definitely has another thing on his mind.
“First of all, I would like to see Christian Streich. Then I would like to thank him for what he did for the Bundesliga during his long time as a coach in Freiburg,” said Bonhof. “Everything else will be revealed on the pitch.”
2024-03-21 17:52:58
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