If his problem is that his body isn't strong enough for the rigours of a full Top 5 season/the physicality and travel of MLS, he might - might - be able to handle the Eredivisie. If it's that his mind isn't, during the next cycle he'll run out of pro clubs willing to pay him to preps for MNT duty and this WC will be his de facto swan song with a "by mutual consent" coda to come in July 2027.
In Gladbach's summary of Polanski's press conference, it was stated that Reyna was ruled out of tomorrow's match but that he has started to resume some training with the first team. I checked out a supporters forum and someone who listened to the press conference said Polanski said a whole lot more about Reyna and that Polanski really stuck his neck out. Translation as follows: "In the press conference, Polanski stated that they had planned to review Reyna's diet and sleep patterns, among other things, and essentially turn everything upside down. He said they concluded that they had already done this at his previous clubs and that it hadn't yielded any new results. Now, Polanski wasn't the coach when Reyna was signed, and he's not a doctor either, but his words still caught my attention. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like Borussia thoroughly investigated Reyna's medical history before the transfer, nor does it sound like they were surprised by how things have progressed. Why Sorgartz and Bild's Heinz didn't ask any follow-up questions is beyond me." Gladbach needs all hands on deck as they are far from safe from relegation. Supporters knew Reyna was a gamble but here they are.
Thanks for that info. I went and listened to the "Presser" (fluent in German). Polanski also said that players also additionally sometimes use there own physio's...implying that Reyna was also working with a personal type of trainer. When Reyna had these last muscular problems in training he had an expression of "ratslosigkeit" (cluelessness, he has no idea why this is happening again). They had worked on his sleeping, diet etc. and Reyna assured the staff he is doing all they are asking. The negative is Reyna is frustrated and doesn't understand why he has the muscular problems. The positive is that there has been nothing major and Reyna has gotten back to training relatively quickly. In my humble opinion, the reporters didn't follow up because it was a press conference about the team, not specific to Reyna, and Polanski did provide quite a bit of info about his situation, more than I've heard or read about. It just solidifies what I wrote a few pages back... Reyna's primary issue is health related (not attitude or work ethic etc.).
Wonder if Reyna has some kind of low-grade ehlers down or some other kind of soft-tissue or muscular disorder. Just seems like it's a condition unrelated to preparation and work rate.
There could still be a work ethic component in there. What if "assuring the staff" is more like "trust me, bro"?
But he's still managed to pass medicals for transfers and repeated fitness tests for squad selection.
I recall BMG saying that BVB shared all their data on him before the transfer was completed. Presumably this would have been the metrics like distance covered, high-intensity sprints, acceleration, and deceleration during training sessions and matches.
We can only guess. Some players are just injury prone. Pomykal tried for years and had a bunch of different problems. Didn't seem like a guy who didn't give his all to everything. Even if Reyna once did I'd be surprised if he wasn't trying hard seeing the writing on the wall recently.
So yes, he (and the club) is frustrated and doesn’t understand why he is always having muscular issues.
Well, OK, I mean that’s possible. But not likely the club is just letting him do whatever. In Germany there is a saying ‘trust is good, but proof is a must’. It’s more likely the club has proof that Reyna is doing what he needs to. The way Polanski spoke about him also alluded to that.
Polanski spoke about that (and it was documented here) at a presser early in the season. He mentioned that BMg was going the extra mile for Reyna to take care and ensure he could get to 100%. Well, that didn’t work as he had an injury early on. Polanski said he was surprised at Reyna's reaction, how he was more depressed than ‘normal’ for such a situation. I don’t have inside info but the dots seem to connect (in my mind anyway) that his muscular issues… years and years’ worth…have affected him mentally. He has to battle and get treatment on both fronts (physical and mental) if he’s going to have any future success.
I wouldn't be surprised if Gio gets some decent minutes this coming week at Bayern Munich. Keep some of the relegation battlers fresh for the following week's 6 pointer against St Pauli.
I'd be pretty surprised, managers at mid-table clubs don't generally think like that. BMG only play 1 game a week and I think the manager will play whatever he thinks is his strongest squad. Bayern averages ?60-65% possession, not really the type of game that screams for playing a midfielder whose main strength is being good in possession but who is mediocre at ball winning.
He is the guy that could send that perfect pass into space though or a great corner or free kick. You are right he won't be a ball winning monster but against clubs like Bayern generally no one is because they just ping it around everyone. I guess if it's a total team press he'd be a weak link. if they play deep and counter I'd consider him as he's good in offensive transition.
Most coaches don't want to risk a blowout for psychological reasons, and messages it would send to the players.
Giving him minutes may still happen if the game is beyond lost, in which case he gets garbage minutes to rest the better players for the next game, or if Bayern have a stinker and the game is still in balance with 20 mins to go so the coach decides to roll the dice. I think we know which is more likely to happen