Pressure Mounts for Eugen Polanski as Gladbach’s Survival Fight Intensifies

Borussia Mönchengladbach finds itself in a precarious position as the 2025-26 Bundesliga season enters its final stretch. Despite holding a contract that runs through 2028, head coach Eugen Polanski is facing significant internal and external scrutiny. Recent reports indicate that Polanski’s work at Gladbach is under scrutiny, with his future at the club far from guaranteed even if the team manages to avoid relegation.

The tension in Mönchengladbach stems from a perceived lack of progress. Polanski, 40, transitioned from an interim role to a permanent appointment in mid-November, but the move has not sparked the tactical or results-based turnaround the club’s leadership expected. Instead, the “Foals” are currently embroiled in a fight to stay in Germany’s top flight, trailing the safety of a comfortable mid-table finish and looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.

The Numbers Game: A Dip in Performance

The statistical trend under Polanski is a primary driver of the current unrest. Across 27 matches in charge, Polanski has recorded 8 wins, 8 draws, and 11 losses. This results in an overall points-per-game (PPS) average of 1.19. To put this in perspective, his predecessor, Gerardo Seoane—who was relieved of his duties in September—maintained a slightly higher average of 1.22 PPS.

More concerning for the club’s hierarchy is the trajectory of the results. After being handed the permanent role in November, Polanski’s efficiency dropped from 1.38 PPS to 1.11 PPS. This decline suggests that the stability provided by a long-term contract has not translated into on-field success.

The Tabakovic Conundrum: Personnel Decisions Under Fire

Beyond the league table, Polanski is facing criticism for his handling of the squad, specifically regarding his selection process. The most contentious decision came during a recent 2-2 draw against 1. FC Heidenheim, where star striker Haris Tabakovic was unexpectedly left on the bench.

The decision was particularly jarring given Tabakovic’s recent form. The 31-year-old had just returned from a high-profile stint with the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team during World Cup qualification, where he scored a crucial 1-1 equalizer against Italy and successfully converted a penalty in the subsequent shootout. Tabakovic described the experience as the “highlight of my career.”

Despite his confidence and a strong international showing, Tabakovic was sidelined for the majority of the Heidenheim match, a move that had not occurred since the fifth matchday of the season. Polanski opted instead to start Shuto Machino, who had played only ten minutes for Japan in their 1-0 victory over England.

Tabakovic expressed frustration over the decision, noting that while he accepted the coach’s reasoning regarding “freshness” after his celebrations in Sarajevo, he felt fully capable of playing more than the 20 minutes he eventually received. The striker’s frustration was evident, as he emphasized his desire to always be on the pitch.

Tabakovic is not the only player caught in the shuffle. Lukas Ullrich, a 22-year-old left winger, also found himself on the bench against Heidenheim despite convincing performances for his selection team. These choices have led to internal accusations that Polanski is employing a “fearful” tactic and making questionable personnel calls that hinder the team’s attacking potential.

The Relegation Shadow

The stakes for Borussia Mönchengladbach could not be higher. With only six matchdays remaining in the season, the club sits just five points clear of FC St. Pauli, who currently occupy the relegation play-off spot. A late-game collapse against Werder Bremen, where Keke Topp scored a stunning late goal to rescue a point for the visitors, has only added to the anxiety surrounding the club.

For a club of Gladbach’s stature, the prospect of relegation is a looming disaster. The current five-point cushion is slim, and the lack of “decisive” progress under Polanski has left the board questioning whether the current leadership is capable of securing the club’s Bundesliga status.

The sentiment within the club appears to be that survival alone may not be enough to save Polanski’s job. Reports suggest that even if the team achieves “Klassenerhalt” (staying in the league), his work will remain under review. The combination of a declining points average, tactical rigidity, and the alienation of key players like Tabakovic has created a volatile environment.

Tactical Rigidity and the Path Forward

Critics within the organization have pointed to a lack of stylistic evolution. While Polanski was brought in to provide a steady hand, the current approach is being viewed as overly cautious. The preference for Machino over the in-form Tabakovic is seen as a symptom of a broader tactical hesitation that is costing the team goals and points.

As the club navigates the final six games, the focus will remain on whether Polanski can reconcile his tactical vision with the needs of his best players. With Tim Kleindienst also preparing for a “slow burn” comeback behind Tabakovic, the management of the attacking rotation will be critical to avoiding the drop.

The situation serves as a cautionary tale regarding the transition from interim to permanent management. The “honeymoon period” for Polanski ended abruptly as the reality of a relegation battle set in, leaving him to fight for his professional survival alongside his team’s fight for league survival.

Next Checkpoint: Borussia Mönchengladbach will look to secure vital points in their remaining six fixtures to distance themselves from FC St. Pauli and stabilize Polanski’s tenure. Official updates on coaching changes are expected following the conclusion of the season.

Do you think Eugen Polanski should be given more time to implement his vision, or is a change in leadership necessary to save Gladbach from relegation? Let us know in the comments.