Year in review: Poor results and a landmark appearance

As we look back on 2023, we take a closer look at the months of March and April. Borussia struggled on the pitch, but one player reached a landmark in their career.

ON THE PITCH

March and April didn’t go to plan for the Foals. This period began with a goalless draw against SC Freiburg in March, before a 3-0 defeat despite a decent performance in Leipzig. Borussia then had to settle for a 2-2 draw at home against Werder Bremen after leading twice. The derby was up next for Borussia, which ended 0-0 in Cologne. The five-game winless run finally came to an end with a 2-0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg, but the Foals collected just one point from the next three games, drawing 1-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt, losing 1-0 to Union Berlin and 2-1 away against VfB Stuttgart. This run of just seven points from eight games left Borussia 10th at the end of April.

STANDOUT MOMENT

Christoph Kramer made his 250th Bundesliga appearance on matchday 23 against Freiburg, a special landmark for him. “When I was young and at the start of my career, I dreamed of making 300 appearances. But I have to say, 250 is a milestone that I’m incredibly proud of. I would never have thought that I could someday reach this number.” The midfielder scored 10 goals across his first 250 games in the top flight.

OFF THE PITCH

Borussia mourned the passing of Karl Heinz Mülhausen at the age of 85, who won the DFB-Pokal with the club in 1960. U19s staff member John Werner died aged 74. He had worked for various Borussia youth sides since 1988.

Borussia published their first sustainability report, which documented the club’s sustainability criteria in the areas of business management, the environment, economy and social affairs. The club supported victims of the floods in the Ahrtal region and people suffering from the effects of the war in Ukraine.

Holocaust survivor Eva Weyl visited BORUSSIA-PARK as part of the exhibition “Verantwortung in Fußballschuhen” at the FohlenWelt. She told her compelling story to more than 200 boys and girls.

Experienced first-team players Tony Jantschke and Tobias Sippel both extended their contracts until 2024, while Joe Scally signed an extension until summer 2027. Assistant coach Oliver Neuville also put pen to paper on a new deal, meaning he will stay until summer 2025.

The annual members’ meeting took place in front of around 1,200 members at BORUSSIA-PARK. Eight members were honoured for their long-term loyalty to the club. Chief executive Stephan Schippers presented his financial report and sporting director Roland Virkus presented his yearly report.

QUOTE

Borussia generated a revenue of 177.3 million Euros and ended the financial year with a net loss of 24.6 million Euros. “Of course, you can’t be satisfied with a loss like this, however, the year was also shaped by various factors that led to this result,” said chief executive Stephan Schippers.