El Mala’s National Team Call-Up Sparks Discussion

Background Context

The recent inclusion of Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln, a player previously overlooked by Borussia Mönchengladbach, has prompted interim head coach Eugen Polanski to address the matter during a press briefing on Thursday. Polanski is preparing his squad for an impending match against the newly promoted Köln in the first Bundesliga clash of the much-anticipated “Rhein-derby” this season.

Polanski Reflects on Player Development

Polanski, who was part of the coaching team that oversaw the development of El Mala and his older brother Malek before they were released, later transitioned to coaching the Gladbach U17 team, after their departure. He approached the question with a sense of detachment, noting that young players often lack the necessary maturity at such an early age.

A Parallel in Player Progression

The coach specifically mentioned the journey of current Gladbach player Jens Castrop, who now represents South Korea on the international stage. Köln made the decision to part ways with Castrop, allowing him to transfer to 1. FC Nürnberg for a mere €900,000 in 2023, despite his current market value being around €6 million.

“Who could have imagined back then that he would evolve into a Bundesliga player?” Polanski posed rhetorically. “No one can claim we overlooked a talent. We find ourselves in a similar situation with Jens Castrop, who has turned out to be quite successful.”

The Reality of Youth Potential

Polanski emphasized, “In football, it’s impossible to guarantee a 15-year-old will become a Bundesliga professional.” He expressed hope that such promises are avoided by coaches and clubs alike.