Borussia Mönchengladbach’s sporting director Roland Virkus has criticized Ipswich Town’s decision to field an U21 side for this afternoon’s friendly match in Germany. Initially, the Blues were set to play with a first-team XI at ATS Sportpark in Heimstetten at 1:30 pm. However, last night at 9 pm, they announced the change to an U21 team instead.
A statement on the Town website explained that the decision was made to provide ‘the Town youngsters an opportunity to test themselves against strong opposition as part of their own pre-season.’ Among the starting XI, only third-choice goalkeeper Cieran Slicker had any first-team experience. This decision left Virkus displeased.
“We’ve had a great training camp and were hoping to round the week off with a friendly against strong English opposition,” he said on Gladbach’s social media.
“That Ipswich have now gone against our contractual agreement due to personnel issues is incredibly disappointing and has left us very frustrated.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to find an alternate friendly opponent at short notice, so we have no choice but to try and make the best out of the situation.”
