Borussia Mönchengladbach could hand Zento Uno his competitive debut in Sunday’s derby at 1. FC Köln, with Alexander Blessin weighing changes as he seeks a first win of the season.
The new Gladbach head coach is still waiting on Tim Kleindienst and Ko Itakura. Both players remain doubtful after injury problems, and Blessin said their availability would come down to the final 24 hours before the match.
Quick facts
- Gladbach visit 1. FC Köln on Sunday.
- Tim Kleindienst and Ko Itakura are late fitness tests.
- Zento Uno is in line for his first competitive appearance for Borussia.
- The 22-year-old joined from Shimizu S-Pulse in the summer for €500,000.
- Gladbach are still without a point and chasing their first victory.
Blessin still hopes to have Kleindienst and Itakura available. The striker and the Japan international defender are central to his plans for a more settled spine, alongside goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas and midfielder Philipp Sander.
Uno could become part of that structure immediately. The Japanese midfielder has overcome ankle and muscle issues which disrupted his early Gladbach period, and has impressed Blessin on the training ground.
“I liked him enormously,” Blessin said. “He has many of the qualities that matter in my football.”
The coach highlighted Uno’s forward defending, appetite for duels and reaction after regaining possession. Blessin wants players to look forward after a turnover rather than simply clear danger, and said Uno had shown bravery in those moments.
Uno is the most naturally defensive No. 6 in the squad. Strong physically, disciplined tactically and active without the ball, the two-cap international offers a screening presence in front of the back line.
Kevin Stöger and Florian Neuhaus bring more attacking qualities from central midfield. But Gladbach’s current need is greater defensive control, making Uno a realistic option beside Sander in Cologne.
Blessin would not confirm whether the 22-year-old will start. He did, however, make clear that Uno is expected to feature rather than remain among the substitutes or in the stands.
“It could be from the start, for half an hour or for 20 minutes,” Blessin said. “But I expect to see Zento on the pitch on Sunday.”
The Köln match will also be Blessin’s first Bundesliga fixture as Gladbach coach. He believes the derby gives his winless side a chance to repair some of the early damage in a single afternoon.
“This is an opportunity to put a lot right with one game,” he said. “That is our mission.”
