Niederrhein possible winners: Blessin's RB pragmatism brings upturn

Alexander Blessin, 53, takes over Borussia Mönchengladbach during the international break and is expected to spark a revival with pure RB pragmatism. The coach, who was still training at FC St. Pauli until the summer, steps in to rejuvenate the squad.

Apprenticeship at RB Leipzig shapes the philosophy

Blessin spent his formative years from 2012 to 2020 in the youth system of RB Leipzig, where he internalised the classic Red‑Bull school. There he learned aggressive counter‑pressing and a lightning‑fast transition game, which now forms the foundation of his work.

The new playing concept eschews an elaborate possession philosophy and instead relies on workhorses and tactical discipline. Players are expected to chase the ball until they drop, showing a high press that immediately disrupts the opponent’s build‑up play.

Clear winners and losers in the squad

The radical system overhaul creates clear winners and losers in the current squad. Those who are physically strong and excel in duels benefit especially from the new approach.

The young Italian left‑back Fabio Chiarodia is given a key role in the new three‑defender system. In the previous back four he saw little game time, but now he uses his strong left‑foot technique to initiate play from the left flank.

Striker Tim Kleindienst becomes the most important pressing trigger. Although he was recently criticised and is still awaiting his first league goal, his value rises under Blessin because he relentlessly hunts the opponent’s build‑up play, thereby supporting the new defensive structure.

With these adjustments, the team hopes to return to the top positions in the upcoming league matches after the break and overcome the previously displayed weakness.