Gladbach interested in Weinzierl

Borussia Moenchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed approaching Augsburg head coach Markus Weinzierl following Lucien Favre's recent resignation.

Despite starting the Bundesliga season with five straight defeats, Lucien Favre's resignation came as a surprise to many, including Gladbach, who said they had "tried all they could" to keep the Swiss coach. In light of his departure, U23 coach Andre Schubert has been brought in. Since then, last year's third placed team have won twice in the Bundesliga and face Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.

A permanent replacement has yet to be seleceted, with Eberl stating upon Favre's resignation that the club would take its time in finding the right replacement.

"In football everything is possible and we have been thinking in all directions," Eberl, said at a sponsors event when asked about Markus Weinzierl.

"I am pleased with the way things have gone for him, he has not only been consistent, but also successful."

Weinzierl has developed a solid reputation in Germany having steered Augsburg to finish fifth last season - the best placing in the club's history - to qualify for this season's Europa League. The Bavarian side have started this season poorly, though, picking up just one win in the opening seven matches.

Weinzierl has a contract at Augsburg until 2019, but Eberl insists he is not deterred. On Sunday, Augsburg president Klaus Hofmann said they had already been approached about their coach over the last few months.

"I can't forbid Gladbach to talk to Markus Weinzierl," Hofmann told Sky. "We already had a discussion in May and June with Schalke, but he decided to stay with Augsburg despite a huge offer. I believe the situation will stay that way until 2019."

apc/ (AFP)