On Tuesday, Rainer Bonhof (71) was appointed Gladbach’s new president by the supervisory board. The first interview as Borussia boss!
BILD: Mr. Bonhof, what was it like waking up for the first time as the new Gladbach boss?
Also interesting
Advertisement
Also interesting
Advertisement
Rainer Bonhof: To be honest – I haven’t felt any change yet. Before Rolf Königs proposed me as his successor, I felt nervous. But after my wife Mücke gave me the green light for the job, everything was fine.
You were previously vice. What exactly is changing for you now?
I definitely have more responsibility and what I say – including to you from BILD – will have even more weight in public perception. But even as deputy, I was in the office or training almost every day. You will probably see my classic car more often in the parking lot at Borussia Park this summer.
Expert knows about “secret meetings”Bayern probably beats United to Leverkusen star!
Source: BILD21.03.2024
“I want to stay the way I am!”
Your predecessor Königs was considered a tough renovator – so far you have been more of a buddy boss. Will it stay that way?
I hope so. I don’t want to change and stay the way I am. I’ve known a lot of the people here at Borussia for what feels like 100 years; the family aspect is what sets our club apart. Nobody has to suddenly criticize me because I’m president.
Can you intervene if necessary?
I won’t reveal any secrets here. I don’t wish it. But be sure: if necessary, I will respond accordingly.
How did you come across Zwischenhaen Kraft as Vice President?
It was my absolute wish to bring such a personality to Borussia. She is incredibly eloquent, has already proven herself on so many levels and is an absolute asset to us.
Bonhof (m.) during an interview with BILD reporters Christian Hornung (l.) and Dirk Krümpelmann (r.)
Photo: PRIVATE
How did your commitment go?
I called her with a small hope that she would say yes. When she said yes, I cheered loudly inside.
How do you actually know Ms. Kraft?
It’s no secret that she is a Borussia fan and has had a season ticket for a long time. There was a very drastic experience with her: in 2011, during the relegation game in Bochum, she sat next to me, her husband on the other side. When we rescued each other, she hugged me first. Then I knew – she is Borussian through and through!
also read
What values should Borussia stand for with you as boss?
A year and a half ago we said to ourselves that we had to get back to ourselves, to what Gladbach has always been about: relying on the next generation, being young and wild. Rocco Reitz is a perfect example of this. We want to consistently continue on this path, but would also like to allow the boys to stay with us in Gladbach for a longer period of time, as was the case with Marc-André ter Stegen, for example. We want to stand for reliability and consistency!
Hannelore Kraft is not only Vice President – but also an avowed Gladbach fan
Foto: picture alliance / dpa
“Everyone wants a prank!”
The opposite of consistency has recently been the case in the coaching position; for the past three years the trend has been towards one-year coaches. Will there be continuity among you in the coaching bench in the Bundesliga?
Every club wants a Christian prank. But unfortunately recently there have been repeated situations in which the club had to react. The fact is: We want to work with Gerardo Seoane in the long term.
Will the squad restructuring be your biggest construction site alongside the end of coach hopping?
I will accompany the renovation with advice and support. But we have great people in the sporting area who will manage it – I’m sure of that.
App users can take part in the Gladbach survey here!
Is there a plan for the return to Europe?
We have to give our new philosophy time. We want to become a young and wild team again – we want to continue with this plan. But I won’t give a date as to when we must have achieved something. Then there will be tinkering again from all sides if it doesn’t work.
Your predecessor Königs was in office for 20 years – how long will you remain boss?
20 years will be difficult – I’m already 71 years old. But if the good Lord means well to me and I continue to be in such a good mood, then it could be a long time. Assuming they still want me…
Your old team colleagues Günter Netzer, Hacki Wimmer, Berti Vogts and Jupp Heynckes have long been honorary members. You’ve already taken on practically every job at Borussia – why aren’t you one yet?
You know, I have two loves – first my wife, then Borussia. Whether I am an honorary member or not is not that important to me. But who knows – maybe that will come at some point…
2024-03-22 05:59:41
#Borussia #Mönchengladbach #Rainer #Bonhof #brought #Hannelore #Kraft #Sports
