Borussia Mönchengladbach, Lucien Favre Agree To Contract Extension

Borussia Mönchengladbach and manager Lucien Favre have agreed on a contract extension that will keep the coach at the club through June 2015.

Gladbach turned to the former Swiss international in February 2011 with their season in freefall. Favre guided the club to a 16th place finish and a relegation playoff victory over VfL Bochum to remain in the Bundesliga.

"We held initial talks during the winter break and wanted to do so without any distractions. We're glad we're keeping our coach and can carry on working with him. I think our fans will be, too." The club's vice-president Rainer Bonhof continued, "They've taken Lucien to their hearts. That he has committed himself to Borussia before the season starts is a wonderful sign."

Favre, 54, directed the club to fourth place this season. This was Gladbach's best finish since the 1986-87 when they found themselves in third place at the end of the campaign. Favre molded a side with veterans and four fantastic young players (Marco Reus, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Tony Jantschke, and Patrick Herrmann) into a team that played attractive football and qualified for the UEFA Champions League.

There have been rumors that Bayern Munich are interested in securing Favre's services as a replacement for Jupp Heynckes in the near future. The contract extension will see Gladbach receive a higher compensation if Favre were to leave the club.

They may have sold their best forward, midfielder and defender, but Gladbach have been active in the transfer market in order to help them compete domestically and in Europe next season.