Uno vows to help Gladbach climb off the bottom
Zento Uno is determined to help Borussia Mönchengladbach improve after making his competitive debut in the Rhine derby loss to Cologne. The Japanese midfielder joined from Shimizu S-Pulse in July but missed the start of the season with a muscle injury. He credited new head coach Alexander Blessin for trusting him and said he wants to repay that faith.
Uno moved to Gladbach from Shimizu S-Pulse in July, but a muscle problem delayed his first competitive outing until Matchday 5. He entered as a substitute in the 2-1 Rhine derby defeat at Cologne, a result that left the Foals with five straight league losses.
Alexander Blessin, appointed ahead of that Cologne match in place of Eugen Polanski, gave Uno his chance. The midfielder has two Japan caps and is the seventh Japanese international to represent Gladbach in the Bundesliga. Gladbach, a club with five Bundesliga titles, next host second-bottom Hoffenheim.
Uno's progress may give Gladbach supporters a reason for optimism during a difficult start, while his presence could raise interest among Japanese football audiences. A successful adaptation might strengthen the club's commercial and multicultural connections, though results on the pitch will likely shape how much social impact this story has. For now, it remains a sporting narrative about resilience and fan hope.