Football Season Guide

Borussia Mönchengladbach are back in European competition after a strong season last year but they still have plenty of work to do for the 2014/15 campaign. While their home form was generally excellent last year they struggled away from home to begin with and they also had a period of very poor form which almost cost them their place in the Europa League. This year one of their targets will be greater consistency which will be especially important as they will be fighting on three fronts this season. In the past European campaigns have severely damaged the league form of the Fohlen Elf but head coach Lucien Favre has attempted to build a stronger and deeper squad, so they should be better prepared for the challenge this time around. Over the summer this project has continued with Fave picking up a number of players on free transfers but his choice in players also shows the increase in depth that will be so crucial. In place of the departed Marc-Andre Ter-Stegen, who has made a dream move to Barcelona, comes Basel keeper Yann Sommer who has significant European experience with the Swiss club. In addition Juan Arango has left the club to move to Mexico and although he was a hugely important figure for the club in the past, his time had come to move on. In his place comes German talent Andre Hahn as well as former Stuttgarter Ibrahima Traore and Thorgan Hazard, brother of Chelsea and Belgium star Eden Hazard, who arrives on loan. With more wide players available it should mean greater competition for players like Patrick Hermann who previously had a guaranteed starting slot. They have also strengthened in defence where Fabian Johnson arrives from fellow Bundesliga side Hoffenheim and he adds further quality and international experience, having played an important role for the USA in their World Cup campaign this summer. Favre will likely stick with his 4-2-2-2 formation from the last few seasons which favours wide attacking play but can leave the central midfield two exposed at times. Raffael was crucial to Gladbach's season last year and he should start once again alongside Max Kruse in attack. Christoph Kramer enjoyed something of a breakthrough season last term which culminated in his selection for the World Cup where he started in the final and he will hope to push on this year and become even more important for his club side.