Alexander Blessin faces an immediate emotional test as Borussia Mönchengladbach coach, with the derby against 1. FC Köln set to open his tenure.
The fixture offers little time for a quiet introduction. A derby can create an instant lift, but Gladbach’s longer-term direction will not be decided by one result or a brief new-manager effect.
Blessin has taken on a demanding job. The key task is to build a sustainable future for the club beyond the intensity of his first match against Köln.
