Gladbach's pointless opening and how it compares to the Bundesliga's poorest starts
Borussia Mönchengladbach are last in the 2026/27 Bundesliga with no points from five matches, the only side yet to get off the mark. After four losses, Eugen Polanski was replaced, and Alexander Blessin's first game ended in a 2-1 defeat at Cologne. Across Bundesliga history, 15 clubs have reached five matchdays without a point, while Nuremberg in 2013/14 had to wait until matchday 18 for a first win and Tasmania Berlin's 1965/66 campaign remains the worst with 10 points.
Gladbach are the sole pointless club in 2026/27 after five rounds. Eugen Polanski departed following four defeats, and Alexander Blessin’s first match ended 2-1 at Cologne. Historically, 15 Bundesliga sides have reached five matchdays with zero points, while Nuremberg waited until Matchday 18 in 2013/14 for a first victory. Tasmania Berlin’s 1965/66 total of 10 points remains the league’s worst, with two wins also matched by Wuppertal in 1974/75.
Gladbach’s own 2015/16 side recovered from the same start to finish fourth and reach the Champions League. Since 1963/64, the bottom club after Matchday 5 has been relegated 22 times, including 12 in the past 26 years. Half of those bottom teams changed coach during the season.
Gladbach’s pointless start could weigh on supporters, players and staff, with matchday mood and local trade around home games potentially affected. A coaching change may bring short-term hope, but continued losses could increase pressure on the squad and board. For the wider Bundesliga, the story may add intrigue around relegation and historical comparisons, though early-season positions often shift.