Borussia Mönchengladbach has appointed Alexander Blessin as its new head coach on a two-year contract, according to announcements by the club.
Taking Over the Bundesliga’s Bottom Side
Alexander Blessin inherits a squad mired in a difficult campaign following the departure of Eugen Polanski. According to reports from Welt, the club decided to make a change after a historically poor start to the season that included four consecutive defeats and 16 goals conceded. Interim coach Jan-Moritz Lichte took charge during last Saturday’s 3:4 defeat against Mainz 05. The club confirmed that Lichte will remain with the staff as an assistant under the incoming manager.
Defensive Stability as an Immediate Priority
The Stuttgart-born coach arrives in Mönchengladbach with a reputation for organizing resilient defenses, a trait he demonstrated during his tenure with FC St. Pauli before departing the club in the summer following relegation, as detailed by Welt. Welt notes that Blessin’s first training sessions during the international break will be heavily depleted, with all four regular central defenders—Kevin Diks, Jan Leszczynski, Ko Itakura, and Fabio Chiarodia—away on international duty with their respective national teams.
A Journeyman Coaching Career
Blessin brings considerable international experience to his new post. Before his stint in Hamburg with St. Pauli, he managed CFC Genua in Italy, alongside Belgian clubs KV Oostende and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. His appointment marks another chapter in a period of turnover for Borussia Mönchengladbach, a club that has cycled through several managers—including Adi Hütter, Daniel Farke, Gerardo Seoane, and Polanski—since the departure of Marco Rose in the summer of 2021.
Testing Schedule Ahead of the Rhine Derby
Before facing competitive pressure in the league, Blessin will lead his new team through a pair of test fixtures. Welt reports that the side will travel to face Sportfreunde Siegen in a friendly match, followed by a visit to the Millerntor-Stadion on October 3 to play FC St. Pauli. Blessin’s official competitive debut on the touchline is scheduled for October 11 at 15.30 local time (UTC+2) / 13:30 UTC, when Borussia Mönchengladbach travels to face arch-rivals 1. FC Köln in the Rhine derby, broadcast via DAZN.
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