Polanski in the saddle

Polanski made 254 appearances over 14 seasons in the Bundesliga, shaping a 13-year career in professional football that saw him play in both Germany and Spain, whilst also collecting 19 senior caps for Poland.

Seven years after hanging up his playing boots, the 39-year-old tactician has been tasked with taking interim charge of first-team affairs at Gladbach following Seoane's dismissal on 16 September 2025.

It's a challenge that the Rhineland club's hierarchy believe he's more than ready for.

"Eugen is a young, energetic coach who has waited a long time for this opportunity and has earned it through his outstanding work with the U23s," said Borussia's board memebr for sport Roland Virkus.

"He's a Borussia fan through and through, has played here, and knows the club, our talented players, and the first team inside out."

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Once a midfield general, Polanski is now an experienced coach, although this will be the first time he's led a senior side into battle.

The Pole began working at Gladbach as a scout before taking the reins of their Under-17 side in 2021, where he oversaw 12 games before making the jump to manage their reserves in 2022.

The ex-Gladbach, Mainz and Hoffenheim player has held the position ever since, taking charge of 108 games over the past three years. In that time, he's averaged 1.6 points per game and overseen the development of the likes of Rocco Reitz, Lukas Ullrich and Shio Fukuda.

Now, Polanski has a chance to further his own career, with there being every chance of him taking the position on a permanent basis.

"We've made it clear to Eugen that this is his chance. We haven't discussed a specific date," confirmed Virkus.

Polanski's coaching nous was clear to see before he'd even retired, at least for current Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann.

"During my time at Hoffenheim, Julian Nagelsmann always told me I should become a coach. But I dismissed it at the time," said Polanski.

"Then we had a good exchange, and it slowly became clear that I would stay in football and at least give it a try as a coach."

With Gladbach facing Leverkusen on Matchday 4, Polanski has the chance to record a statement victory in his first game in charge and bring some positivity back into the Gladbach camp as they chase a first league win in 2025/26 - and first in 10 matches since 29 March 2025.