With two weeks of preparation – or almost one week for the internationals – under their belts, the match in Erfurt on Saturday did not serve as a yardstick. “We tried out several things, and it can only get better,” said Emre Can following the rather fortuitous 3-2 victory against a committed, defensive and consistently fair Regionalliga team. Coach Edin Terzic made 12 changes during the 90 minutes, which were tough-going for the most part. The team too rarely showed tempo and the resultant penetration in their play. “Our legs were heavy,” explained Can, without wanting to use that as an excuse.

Happy New Year from Borussia Mönchengladbach! The Foals wish all our fans, members, partners and sponsors...

We have been taking a look back on the year that was in our daily Year in Review series, with articles on all of the most memorable moments from the last 12 months:

Of those five appearances since his return, he only started twice under Julian Nagelsmann; the 5-3 win over FC Augsburg and the 2-1 loss at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. It’s been reported that he was not happy at all with Nagelsmann for only playing all of 8 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16 second leg at the Allianz Arena, but now he has a fresh opportunity.

Midfielder András Schäfer, meanwhile, was able to finish the game but also suffered an injury to his right foot. The 23-year-old Hungarian international will undergo surgery in the coming days and will not be available until further notice.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is just 24 and clearly a brilliant prospect but United will face serious competition from across Europe.

With their three friendlies against Rhynern, Oberhausen and Erfurt now done and dusted, Edin Terzic’s team will depart for their 10-day USA Tour on Monday. The BVB contingent will make three stops in the States. The Black & Yellows will spend the first five days in San Diego, California. The schedule subsequently includes stays in Las Vegas and Chicago. 

FC Augsburg were in action away in Cologne on matchday 10. Thorup’s side initially went behind again, but Phillip Tietz equalised with his third goal in three games and secured a 1-1 draw for FCA (25’). It was Jess Thorup’s first draw in charge of FC Augsburg following two back-to-back wins. 

In his first match with Die Roten, the former Borussia Dortmund coach will manage against his ex-club in a game that could determine the Bundesliga championship.