TSG start Bundesliga campaign in Mönchengladbach

Borussia's start to the season was nothing more than ordinary. Despite making it through the first round of the German Cup, an exit in the Champions League-Qualification stage threatens, after a 1-3 home defeat to Kiev. Babbel doesn't see an advantage for his side though, “Of course Gladbach have suffered a shock after losing their first game against Kiev, but the tie isn't over yet. In football there is always a chance to come back and with that in mind, I don't expect to see a broken Borussia this weekend.” The manager is far more concerned in motivating a team who are keen to make it up to the fans, as well as give everything to win the first game of the season.

Only Wieser injured

TSG are keen to appease their fans with a good display. Markus Babbel has Marvin Compper, Daniel Williams, Fabian Johnson and Isaac Vorsah to call on. Sandro Wieser is the only absentee; the midfielder is currently going through rehabilitation after his meniscal operation. “It won't be easy for us, but we will still travel to Gladbach with every intention of winning the game. We will only succeed in achieving this if we have the right amount of desire and aggression” said Babbel. These virtues were noticeable in their absence in Berlin.

Striving to keep the positive balance up

Babbel hopes to hold onto the positive balance of his squad against Gladbach. In eleven competitive games against Gladbach, TSG have run out winners on seven occasions, drawing three and losing only once. Last year Hoffenheim won both games (1-0 and 2-1) against the side that eventually finished fourth.

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