Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst recently gave an interview, discussing the team's new season goals, his personal form, and the possibility of returning to the German national team in the future.
When asked about Mönchengladbach's goals for this season, Kleindienst stated that the team should first aim to finish in the top ten: "The demand should be to get into the top ten. This season should be much more stable than last season. Last season was not ideal; in the 2023/24 season we were still competing for European qualification until seven rounds were left, but after that we didn't maintain enough stability."
He hopes the team can maintain good form until the end of the season, while also helping new signings integrate quickly: "We need to stay consistent until the very end. I also hope that the new players joining the team can adapt as quickly as possible."
Regarding the dream of European competition, Kleindienst believes it's something to look forward to, but Mönchengladbach needs to remain realistic: "Of course, you can dream. Stuttgart has proven that, and Hoffenheim has done it too. They were once close to relegation, but then suddenly entered European competition the next season."
However, he prefers the team to build long-term competitiveness: "We have to be realistic. I would rather see the team perform well for several consecutive years than just play in Europe for one year and then completely collapse the second year."
Speaking about the team's current squad and morale, Kleindienst expressed his satisfaction: "We always have potential. The players who came here from lower leagues are very good; they have fighting spirit, are familiar with the intensity of the game, and also possess resilience."
He believes that the key to the team's future progress lies in how it responds to difficulties: "I am very happy with this squad, the training methods, and the attitude towards the game. The most important thing next is how we deal with setbacks. If the start is not as expected, how will we respond? That's when you'll see who steps up and takes responsibility."
In terms of personal goals, Kleindienst hopes to rediscover his goal-scoring touch: "If I can score around 15 goals, that would be great. I scored 16 goals two years ago, and if I can do it again, that would be perfect."
However, he hasn't set a fixed goal tally for himself: "It depends on many factors, including my condition after an 11-month injury layoff and the performance of the entire team. I won't wake up every morning and tell myself: 'You have to score 17 goals.'"
Looking back at the long recovery period from injury, Kleindienst admitted that it wasn't easy: "I sometimes still think back to those 11 months. That time felt especially long. But now I can train normally, without any problems, and it's really wonderful to be back here, back on the field. I'm very happy."
Speaking about the German national team and his connection with coach Klopp, Kleindienst stated that the national team dream always exists: "I don't have his number, and I haven't contacted him yet. But the national team is always in my heart. I really want to be called up to the national team again."
However, he also knows that he needs to regain his best form first: "That was an incredible moment, but first I have to get back into rhythm. Ultimately, many factors will determine the outcome, such as my performance and whether the coach wants to use a traditional center-forward."
For the first-round match against RB Leipzig in the new season, Kleindienst showed confidence: "We will win! I don't care how we win."
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