Gladbach’s coach Gerardo Seoane opted for a new order in the midfield in the 2-2 draw in Bremen. Manu Koné celebrated his return to the starting eleven. It’s possible that there won’t be many more appearances for the foals.
Manu Koné is in a Bundesliga relegation battle with Mönchengladbach DeFodi Images via Getty Images
In order to generate more energy and offensive drive in the center, Seoane switched after the zero number against Union Berlin. Ko Itakura moved back to the three-man chain and this also meant the dissolution of the double six in favor of a system with six (Julian Weigl) and two eights, which on Saturday were called Rocco Reitz and Manu Koné. For Koné it meant a comeback in the starting line-up after a break of several weeks due to a torn muscle fiber; The previous Sunday against Union he had only made a partial appearance, he was substituted on for the last ten minutes.
“I feel good. It was a difficult time after I was injured with the national team,” said Koné, who sustained the injury in a France U23 friendly against the USA at the end of March.
The midfielder also ended the game in Bremen injured. It remains to be seen whether he can be there on Tuesday morning, when Borussia begin preparing for the home game against Eintracht Frankfurt. The 22-year-old definitely plays an important role in Seoane’s plans for Frankfurt. Because he can win balls and create pressure going forward.
“He created dynamism on the left, especially in the first half. Manu can break something up. With his physical presence, he helped us to keep Bremen’s good midfield with the very agile and mobile players in check,” said the VfL coach.
A hot sales candidate this summer
For Koné, Saturday could be his farewell performance at Borussia Park. In the summer of 2021, the Frenchman moved from FC Toulouse to the left-wing Lower Rhine for nine million euros and has since played 83 competitive games (six goals) for the Foals. This summer he is a hot sales candidate. While the transfer plans fell through a year ago, among other things, because Koné injured his knee, both sides can easily imagine a transfer again this time if the conditions are right. From Koné’s point of view, that would mean: When a club with rank and name attracts people. From Borussia’s perspective that would be: if the price is right. Ultimately, the money from a Koné sale would flow into further squad restructuring. Borussia’s advantage: There is no exit clause in the contract, which runs until 2026.
The fact that Saturday could even be Koné’s last game for Gladbach is because the midfielder, with four yellow cards to his name, is only one warning away from a yellow card suspension. But he won’t be thinking about that when he steps onto the pitch, but rather about the goal of securing relegation in front of his home crowd. And Koné exudes confidence before the match point: “We have confidence in our team and will make it.” Jan Lustig
2024-05-06 17:47:21
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