Source: https://www.kicker.de/so-planen-borussia-und-partner-ista-die-gemeinsame-zukunft-1243048/artikel

It’s all set. The signage at the stadium now reads “Ista-Borussia-Park.” The giant LED screens on the facades of the north and south stands, which will be used for direct communication with fans in the future, have been installed. The countdown to the big season-opening weekend at the stadium grounds—where well over 100,000 visitors are expected on Saturday and Sunday—is on.

The sporting highlight on Saturday (3:30 p.m.) will be the friendly match against Aston Villa. The reigning Europa League champions will make their debut as the first team to play a match at Ista-Borussia-Park. This high-profile opponent was made possible above all by Borussia’s new title sponsor, which covered a significant portion of the costs to bring Aston Villa to Mönchengladbach for the season opener.

“Ista contributed—and on a scale that was by no means small. It was clear from the start that Ista and Borussia wanted to jointly present an attractive opponent,” said Dr. Stefan Stegemann, Borussia’s CEO, during a media briefing on Friday. Dr. Hagen Lessing, CEO of Ista SE, added: “We’re delighted and very proud that, with Aston Villa, we’re able to present none other than the Europa League champions. It’s a fitting start to our partnership.”
Borussia will receive between four and five million euros per season

By Friday at noon, 48,300 tickets for the match had sold out. “The game,” Stegemann predicted, “will certainly also provide a good opportunity to assess where Borussia stands from a sporting perspective.” The English team was still in action on Wednesday in the UEFA Super Cup final. There, coach Unai Emery’s team lost 1–2 to Champions League winner Paris St. Germain.

The partnership between Borussia and the energy provider Ista is initially set to last five years, through June 30, 2031. According to information from *kicker*, the Bundesliga club will receive between four and five million euros per season from the naming rights deal. The collaboration goes far beyond simply marketing the stadium’s name. Ista will help make the Borussia-Park complex—including all the buildings on the grounds—more energy-efficient and future-proof. This will involve the use of smart metering technology and innovative energy monitoring. The goal is to create a showcase project for sustainable stadium operations.

We’ll see on Saturday how Gladbach fans react to the sale of the stadium’s naming rights. Initial reactions following the official announcement of the deal have shown that a portion of the fan base is critical of the move. Stegemann emphasized once again on Friday: “Borussia Mönchengladbach has waited many, many years for the right partner and has turned down various offers for many years. In this case, it was a good fit from the very beginning. This is the right partner, with a focus on an issue that will be very important in the coming years: sustainability. And I’d like to emphasize this: We were able to retain the name ‘Borussia-Park,’ and Ista has been very understanding in this regard. When I compare this to other locations, the original name has been lost there.”

One thing is clear: Both partners are already considering extending the collaboration beyond 2031. “This partnership is designed for the long term,” Lessing emphasized. “We’d be delighted if, after five years, both sides say: ‘It went great—let’s keep working together.’”

Mönchengladbach · The possibility that Borussia Mönchengladbach’s defensive leader, Nico Elvedi, might leave this summer has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. Is it now becoming a reality? What role Gladbach’s former coach, Daniel Farke, and Hamburger SV might play in this, and how to make sense of it all.

On August 1, Nico Elvedi returned to Mönchengladbach. His World Cup break was over; the Swiss defender arrived at Borussia-Park for the usual fitness tests and then traveled to join his teammates at the training camp in Rottach-Egern.

It may have been his last major trip while playing for the Bundesliga club. After all, Elvedi’s time in Gladbach could come to an end this summer after eleven years. He has let the soccer world know that he is open to a new challenge—and that he would decide what to do next after the World Cup.

Elvedi did not comment on his situation at the training camp. On the central issue in his case, he would have said only this much anyway: “It’s up in the air.” Soon, his status could change to: “Done deal.” That’s the term used by journalists who are entirely dedicated to transfer news when a move is finalized.

Here’s what could happen: Elvedi could move to Leeds United. According to Sky’s Florian Plettenberg, the club from northern England is interested in signing Elvedi. A transfer fee of at least ten million euros is on the table; Gladbach wants to be well compensated for the loss of their defensive leader.

In Leeds, Elvedi would then reunite with Daniel Farke, who was Borussia’s coach during the 2022–23 season. Like his predecessors since 2015—when Elvedi was signed from Zurich—and his successors, Farke appreciated the reliable defender. Under Farke, Elvedi made 32 league and two cup appearances, scoring three goals.

The interest in Elvedi is likely also linked to Hamburger SV. The club is looking to sign Sebastiaan Bornauw from Leeds, which would free up a spot in the British team’s defense. In Leeds, Elvedi would be reunited with his compatriot Noah Okafor, who, like him, was part of Switzerland’s World Cup squad.

Gladbach: Many Factors Must Align for an Elvedi Transfer

However, it remains to be seen whether Elvedi will actually leave. According to information from our editorial team, this is certainly not a decision that will be made on the fly; several factors would have to align. First, the Bornauw transfer (loan?) would have to take place, then Leeds would have to offer a sum for which Gladbach is willing to part with a top player. And Borussia would have to be certain of securing an adequate replacement—ideally, a player with some Bundesliga experience.

However, given that Elvedis has long expressed a desire to try something new, it’s reasonable to assume that his wish would be granted if a suitable replacement can be found for Gladbach—especially for such a deserving player. This was also the case in January 2023 with Yann Sommer, when FC Bayern made an inquiry.

Most recently, at the training camp in Rottach-Egern, sporting director Rouven Schröder spoke about Elvedi’s value and also made it clear that there is a deadline after which he will no longer let Elvedi go. However, Sky reports that Elvedi has decided to move to England if a suitable opportunity arises. The deal with Leeds is reportedly for a contract running through the summer of 2029.

Rumors also suggest that a defensive position may become vacant at Gladbach. Most recently, Augsburg’s Felix Uduokhai (28, Besiktas Istanbul), who has the necessary Bundesliga experience, has been mentioned. Also mentioned is Uruguayan Nahuel Herrera (CA Penarol), though at 21, he would likely not be an adequate replacement for Elvedi. Nor would his compatriot Karim Sow (23) of Lausanne Sport.

Elvedi’s status: up in the air. But there is movement on the transfer front—more so than in previous years when Elvedi was considering a change.

Borussia Mönchengladbach turned the friendly match against Hoffenheim around and won 4-1. New signing Isac Lidberg played a major role in the victory.

Both teams had won all their preseason matches so far; now the Bundesliga clubs faced off on Friday at the Silberstadt Arena in Schwaz (Austria) for a real test of their mettle. Hoffenheim had been preparing for the upcoming season over the past few days at a training camp in Seefeld (also in Austria), while Gladbach had most recently been at Lake Tegernsee.

The match was scheduled for two 60-minute halves. There was a standard halftime break halfway through the game, with a short water break after 30 minutes in each half. After a scoreless first quarter, it was Hoffenheim who took the lead. Lemperle sent a long throw-in across to Conté—and the returning player scored from close range to make it 1–0 (36th minute). That score remained unchanged at halftime.

The match resumed after the first hour with several substitutions. The third 30 minutes clearly belonged to Gladbach. However, this was also due to the Kraichgau side making serious mistakes. First, Arthur Chaves lost the ball on the left flank; then the Foals quickly moved the ball through Lidberg and Hack, with the latter finishing unmarked to equalize (76').

Ten minutes later, Borussia had completely turned the game around; Lidberg intercepted a terrible misplaced pass from Hranac, broke away, and finished to make it 2–1. And things got even better for the newcomer from Darmstadt, who wears the number 3 as a forward: In the 110th minute, Lidberg was in exactly the right place and scored his second goal of the game on the rebound. That still wasn’t the final score; Neuhaus scored from a scramble to make it 4–1 (118th minute). A result that ultimately turned out to be too lopsided.

Before their first competitive match in the DFB Cup on August 22 in Aue, Hoffenheim will play two more friendly matches against Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday and Sunday. Gladbach will play their final warm-up match before the start of the competitive season (August 23 in the DFB Cup against Schott Mainz) next Saturday at home against Aston Villa.

Giovanni Reyna is leaving Borussia Mönchengladbach to join French first-division club Racing Strasbourg.

Reyna, who returned to Mönchengladbach in the middle of last week after playing for the U.S. at the World Cup and successfully completed his medical exams there, said goodbye to the team on Friday and was not included in the 30-player roster for the training camp at Tegernsee.

“Gio is an excellent player who, unfortunately, only hinted at his potential during his year here at Borussia and, due to a number of injuries, was unable to consistently demonstrate his abilities on the field,” says Borussia’s sporting director, Rouven Schröder. “We’ve made it clear that we want to—and need to—change and downsize the roster. That’s why we’ve jointly decided that parting ways this summer is the right move for both sides. We wish him all the best and much success in his exciting new challenge in France.”

Gio Reyna joined the Foals from Borussia Dortmund in August 2025, shortly before the first matchday of last season. The U.S. national team player made his debut in the VfL jersey under then-coach Gerardo Seoane in mid-September during a home game against SV Werder Bremen (0–4). He then made regular brief appearances in the first half of the season before muscle problems sidelined him for several weeks in early 2026. In total, the 23-year-old appeared in 19 Bundesliga matches for Borussia (one goal, one assist).

Borussia wishes Gio Reyna all the best for his future, both on and off the field!

A complete agreement between the two clubs has already been reached according to Sky Sport information.

This is a one-year loan with purchase option.

Hashioka will complete his medical check on Thursday. The 27-year-old is at home on the right-back position, but can also play in central defense. Most recently, Hashioka was on loan from Prague to KAA Gent.

With the signing of the twelve-time Japanese national player, Gladbach reacts to the weeks-long absence of newcomer Yukhym Konoplya. The Ukrainian had suffered an inner ligament tear in his knee in the test match against Rot-Weiss Essen (2:1).

Der Wuppertaler SV hat die Position des Cheftrainers neu besetzt: Tim Schneider übernimmt ab der kommenden Saison die sportliche Verantwortung an der Seitenlinie im Stadion am Zoo.

Der 44-Jährige wechselt vom VfB Hilden zum WSV, mit dem er in der abgelaufenen Saison den Meistertitel in der Oberliga erreichte und den Aufstieg in die Regionalliga realisierte. In den vergangenen Jahren hat sich Schneider durch seine kontinuierliche Arbeit, seine fachliche Kompetenz sowie seine Entwicklung von  Spielern einen hervorragenden Ruf erarbeitet.

Tim Schneider war der absolute Wunschkandidat des Wuppertaler SV für die vakante Position des Cheftrainers. Der Verein hat sich nach intensiven Gesprächen frühzeitig und bewusst für ihn entschieden. In den Entscheidungsprozess war auch der neue Sportvorstand bereits eingebunden, dessen offizielle Vorstellung zeitnah erfolgen wird.

Die Zusammenarbeit ist langfristig angelegt und auf Kontinuität sowie nachhaltige Entwicklung ausgerichtet. Gemeinsam mit dem Trainerteam und den Verantwortlichen soll eine Mannschaft geformt werden, die durch Einsatzbereitschaft, Leidenschaft und eine klare spielerische Identität überzeugt.

„Der Wuppertaler SV hat eine besondere Strahlkraft und ein enormes Potenzial. Die Gespräche mit den Verantwortlichen waren von Beginn an sehr klar und vertrauensvoll. Ich freue mich sehr darauf, gemeinsam mit dem Verein etwas aufzubauen und die Mannschaft intensiv auf die kommende Saison vorzubereiten“, so Tim Schneider.

Mit der Verpflichtung des neuen Cheftrainers setzt der WSV ein erstes, bewusstes Signal für die kommende Entwicklung. Die Kaderplanung für die neue Saison läuft bereits und wird in den kommenden Wochen weiter konkretisiert.

Der Wuppertaler SV heißt Tim Schneider herzlich willkommen und wünscht ihm für seine neue Aufgabe viel Erfolg.

Quelle: Wuppertaler Sportverein e.V.

WSV verabschiedet Trainer Mike Wunderlich – und sagt Stephan Küsters ab

Wuppertal · Mike Wunderlich ist in der kommenden Saison nicht mehr Trainer des Wuppertaler SV. Das hat der aus der Fußball-Regionalliga abgestiegene Verein am Montagnachmittag (18. Mai 2026) offiziell mitgeteilt. Außerdem steht fest: Stephan Küsters wird nicht der Sportliche Leiter.

Von Jörn Koldehoff

Man bedanke sich mit Blick auf Mike Wunderlich „ausdrücklich für seinen Einsatz in einer sportlich herausfordernden Phase. Er hat Verantwortung übernommen und den Verein mit großem Engagement unterstützt“, heißt es in einer Stellungnahme. Der WSV arbeite „derzeit intensiv an der zukünftigen sportlichen Ausrichtung und wird zeitnah einen Nachfolger präsentieren. Ziel ist es, mit neuen Impulsen die Grundlage für eine erfolgreiche Weiterentwicklung des Wuppertaler SV zu schaffen.“

Wunderlich war in der Winterpause vom Ahrweiler BC an die Hubertusallee gewechselt. In den 16 Ligapartien holte er im Schnitt 0,56 Punkte. Als Tabellensiebzehnter verpasste der WSV den Klassenerhalt. Nach dem Abstieg von Fortuna Düsseldorf aus der 2. Liga und dem Zwangsabstieg der Düsseldorfer Reserve hätte Rang 16 gereicht, um weiter viertklassig zu bleiben.

Die Entscheidung sei gemeinsam vom Vorstand und vom Verwaltungsrat getroffen worden, so der Verwaltungsratsvorsitzende Dirk Polick auf Nachfrage unserer Zeitung. Gleichzeitig bestätigte Polick gegenüber der Rundschau, dass der zuletzt als Favorit gehandelte Stephan Küsters doch nicht Sportlicher Leiter des WSV wird. Man habe stattdessen „einen interessanten jungen Menschen im Visier, mit dem wir in die Zukunft blicken möchten“. Einen Namen nannte Polick noch nicht.

Stephan Küsters kommentierte die Entscheidung gegenüber der Rundschau so: „Ich wäre auch in der Oberliga bereit gewesen, aber mein Konzept ist beim Verwaltungsrat nicht auf positive Gedanken gestoßen. Ich bin der Meinung, dass der WSV mit Blick auf die Fankultur eine schlagkräftige Truppe zusammenbekommen muss, um oben mitzumischen. Das sieht der Verwaltungsrat momentan offenbar anders und denkt da nicht erfolgsorientiert. Meiner Meinung wäre es aber möglich gewesen mit vernünftigen Kontakten. Am Gehalt wäre es bei mir auch sicher nicht gescheitert. Ich hatte schon einige Sponsoren am Start, die den WSV gerne unterstützt hätten.“

Derweil steht der erste Abgang fest: Stürmer Jeff-Denis Fehr schließt sich dem Mittelrheinligisten VfL Vichttal an

Beim Wuppertaler SV dürften nach dem Abstieg in die Oberliga Niederrhein in der kommenden Saison viele neue Gesichter auftreten. Doch neben einem zu erwarteten Kaderumbruch, wird es auch einen neuen Trainer geben. Wie der WSV nämlich mitteilt, wird Mike Wunderlich den Verein verlassen.

WSV ist in der "Wunderlich-Tabelle" ganz unten
"Der Wuppertaler SV und Cheftrainer Mike Wunderlich gehen nach dem letzten Saisonspiel am vergangenen Samstag getrennte Wege", heißt es in einer Pressemitteilung. "Der WSV bedankt sich bei Mike Wunderlich ausdrücklich für seinen Einsatz in einer sportlich herausfordernden Phase. Er hat Verantwortung übernommen und den Verein mit großem Engagement unterstützt."
Letztlich gipfelnd im Abstieg, waren Erfolgserlebnisse in der Ära Wunderlich nur rar gesät. Der ehemalige Spieler in der 2. Bundesliga übernahm seinerzeit die Zügel um die Jahreswende von Sebastian Tyrala. In den 17 Spielen unter seiner Leitung reichte es letztlich nur zu mauen neun Zählern - noch einmal acht weniger als in der schon enttäuschenden Hinrunde. Im Jahr 2026 holte der WSV von allen Regionalliga-Teams die wenigsten Punkte.

"Der Verein arbeitet derzeit intensiv an der zukünftigen sportlichen Ausrichtung und wird zeitnah einen Nachfolger präsentieren. Ziel ist es, mit neuen Impulsen die Grundlage für eine erfolgreiche Weiterentwicklung des Wuppertaler SV zu schaffen", kündigt der WSV an.
Darüber hinaus schweben noch einige Fragezeichen über der kommenden Oberliga-Saison. Besonders der zur Verfügung stehende Kader müsste wohl in großen Teilen neu zusammengestellt werden.