Who will replace Roland Virkus as Gladbach’s head of sport?

Borussia Mönchengladbach are on the lookout for a successor to the recently sacked Roland Virkus.

After recently parting ways with Roland Virkus as sporting CEO, Borussia Mönchengladbach are now searching for his successor.

Elversberg’s Nils-Ole Book was initially linked with the position, but after extending his contract with the 2. Bundesliga club, attention has shifted to other candidates.

According to Kicker, Jörg Schmadtke and Jan Schlaudraff are under consideration and could potentially take over as a duo. Both are currently without a club: Schmadtke has been out of work since stepping down as Liverpool’s sporting director in February 2024, while Schlaudraff left his role as managing director for sport at Austrian second-division side SKN St. Pölten in May 2024

Another candidate mentioned by Kicker is Lutz Pfannenstiel, who was dismissed as sporting director of MLS side St. Louis City in August after five years in the job. Gladbach are reportedly already in talks with the 52-year-old.

Meanwhile, Bild links Gladbach with former club captain Martin Stranzl, who is currently completing a diploma in football management. Jonas Boldt and Marinko Jurendic are also said to be under consideration.

In addition, Marcell Jansen is reportedly on Gladbach’s radar – not as Virkus’ direct replacement, but with a longer-term view to joining the club’s board.

“Above all, we’re looking for a sporting leader,” Borussia CEO Dr. Sascha Stegemann told Rheinische Post.

“Whether that’s a sporting CEO or a sporting director depends on the profile we find and who is interested in taking on this role at Borussia. Then it’s about this person planning the sporting structures for the coming years. How exactly those should look will be part of the discussions.”

He added that the club is seeking “someone who constantly thinks about sporting developments and innovations, but who also has the personality to withstand the pressure that comes with working at a traditional club like Borussia. Whoever is looking for the challenge of shaping something – and that’s definitely possible at Borussia – is the right candidate.”