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BundesligaSeptember 19, 2026

Following in Tabakovic's footsteps: Lidberg is now called upon

Isac Lidberg is about to make his first start in the Bundesliga after Tim Kleindienst was ruled out due to a yellow-red card. Lidberg has proven himself in preparation and is seen as a key player for Gladbach's turnaround.

Following in Tabakovic's footsteps: Lidberg is now called upon

Following Tabakovic's footsteps: Now it's time for Lidberg

According to Kicker.

Background

Isac Lidberg, Borussia Mönchengladbach's summer signing, has presented himself as a talented player in preparation. His first appearance in the Bundesliga could not only boost his career, but also change the dynamics of the team, especially considering the upcoming games in the 2026 World Cup schedule.

Why this is important

Isac Lidberg's upcoming first starting eleven appearance in the Bundesliga is a significant step in his career. The loss of Tim Kleindienst due to a yellow-red card gives Lidberg the opportunity to prove himself as a key player for Borussia Mönchengladbach. His performance could be crucial to the team's turnaround this season, especially given the challenges the Bundesliga offers.

Key findings

  • On the trail of Tabakovic: Now Lidberg is called upon.
  • Isac Lidberg is about to make his first starting eleven appearance in the Bundesliga after Tim Kleindienst was ruled out due to a yellow-red card.
  • On the trail of Tabakovic: Now Lidberg is challenged - kicker.
Image If nothing unforeseen happens, a dream will come true for Isac Lidberg on Saturday: his first starting eleven appearance in the Bundesliga. The Swede earned praise from Jan-Moritz Lichte and is following in big footsteps as a small service representative. Before his first and only game as interim coach, Jan-Moritz Lichte deliberately held back with names and a possible direction. Ultimately, he didn't want to reveal too much to Urs Fischer and Mainz 05 and wanted to leave as much uncertainty as possible for the opponent. At least at the back, where Moritz Nicolas remains number 1, and at the front, there should be no surprises. Captain and center forward Tim Kleindienst is missing after his yellow-red against Freiburg, Isac Lidberg is ready to replace him and make his first start in the Bundesliga. "We're trying to think everything through, and yet it's of course the logical conclusion," said Lichte, referring to the Swede's expected starting eleven nomination. "Of course he deserves it and worked for it with the preparation he did and with what he has already offered here." Predecessor Eugen Polanski also praised the summer newcomer for his preparation and gave him the chance in the cup at Schott Mainz. However, Lidberg couldn't reward himself there, struggled and missed the post late on. In his three subsequent substitute appearances in the league, he only recorded one finish - u nd he didn't get on goal. Now the man who came from Darmstadt for 3.5 million euros is in demand again from the start. Haris Tabakovic provided the blueprint for optimal small-time representation in the previous season, when the 32-year-old scored 15 goals across all competitions. He then went to the World Cup with Bosnia-Herzegovina and joined RB Salzburg. “Stories like this show once again how quickly things can change in football,” said Lidberg, referring to his predecessor, in the training camp when kicker met him for an interview. "A lot happens over a long season. If you work hard and take advantage of your chances, you can go far. You always have to be ready." That is exactly the personal aim of the three-time national player with the number 3, which is unusual for a striker. "I am the type of player who always gives 100 percent and works a lot for the team. With the ball and without the ball," is how he described his own style of play. "I make a lot of runs deep, press consistently, try to help the team in as many areas as possible. And of course I want to score goals." Hard work, consistency, goals, the Gladbach team lacked all of that over many phases when they started with zero points. Lichte should initiate the turnaround on Saturday and brighten the mood in Mönchengladbach again before the new head coach takes over. A project in which Lidberg's goal premiere would certainly help.

How far happens

If Lidberg impresses in his first game, he could secure a permanent place in the starting eleven and fulfill the expectations of him as Kleindienst's successor. Jan-Moritz Lichte, who is acting as interim coach, will closely monitor the Swede's performance in order to adapt tactics for the upcoming games. Borussia Mönchengladbach fans will be hoping Lidberg can invigorate the offense as the team prepares for the challenges ahead in the Bundesliga.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Isac Lidberg?

Isac Lidberg is about to make his first start in the Bundesliga after being nominated to replace the suspended Tim Kleindienst.

Who confirmed Isac Lidberg's starting eleven nomination?

Jan-Moritz Lichte, the interim coach, has confirmed Isac Lidberg's nomination for the starting eleven.

Why is Isac Lidberg called into the starting eleven now?

Isac Lidberg is called into the starting eleven because Tim Kleindienst is suspended after a yellow-red card and Lidberg has distinguished himself with his preparation and performance.

What changes are there in the Mainz 05 team?

Tim Kleindienst is missing due to suspension, which gives Isac Lidberg the opportunity to play in the starting eleven.

What did Eugen Polanski say about Isac Lidberg?

Eugen Polanski praised Isac Lidberg for his preparation and d gave him the chance to play in the cup, even if Lidberg was not successful there.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What happened to Isac Lidberg?
Isac Lidberg is about to make his first start in the Bundesliga after being nominated to replace the suspended Tim Kleindienst.
Who confirmed Isac Lidberg's starting XI nomination?
Jan-Moritz Lichte, the interim coach, has confirmed Isac Lidberg's nomination for the starting eleven.
Why is Isac Lidberg called into the starting eleven now?
Isac Lidberg is called into the starting line-up because Tim Kleindienst is suspended after a yellow-red card and Lidberg has distinguished himself with his preparation and performance.
What changes are there in the Mainz 05 team?
Tim Kleindienst is missing due to suspension, giving Isac Lidberg the opportunity to play in the starting lineup.
What did Eugen Polanski say about Isac Lidberg?
Eugen Polanski praised Isac Lidberg for his preparation and gave him the chance to play in the cup, even if Lidberg was unsuccessful there.
What happened in this story?
Following in Tabakovic's footsteps: Now it's up to Lidberg summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.
Following in Tabakovic's footsteps: Now Lidberg is called upon | | MannschaftGoal