Kevin Diks embraces Gladbach captaincy after Indonesia’s historic cup triumph

Diks draws on experience as Gladbach seek a first win

Kevin Diks says years of navigating difficult spells have helped him grow into a leader, as Borussia Mönchengladbach look to turn around a poor start to their Bundesliga campaign.

Gladbach lost their first five matches of the 2026-27 Bundesliga season. Diks, who has worn the captain’s armband in three of those games while club captain Tim Kleindienst was injured, urged his teammates to concentrate on what they can control.

“The only thing you can do is focus on the things that you can influence and be positive. Being negative can attract negative things, so I think we need to focus on the things we are doing well, improve, and hopefully get results.”

The 30-year-old said leadership had developed over time rather than coming naturally from the outset. “At one stage, I wasn’t a leader. But I feel that I’ve developed into it over the past five or six years,” he said, adding that leaders do not always have to be vocal.

Penalty helped seal a landmark Indonesia victory

Diks also reflected on captaining Indonesia to a historic FIFA ASEAN Cup triumph. He scored in the final’s penalty shootout against Thailand, after a plan was made for him to take his country’s first spot-kick.

“There was just no chance I was going to miss that penalty. I knew I would score and we would win it.”

“It was a big honour. It was a rollercoaster of emotions but we achieved something historic,” Diks said. He recalled telling teammate Joey Pelupessy during the match that Indonesia would win if the final went to penalties.

Gladbach’s international mix and a taste of home

Diks said the variety of backgrounds in Gladbach’s dressing room brought different qualities to the squad. He pointed to the Japanese players’ humility, hard work and respect, and noted that Wael Mohya is German with Moroccan parents.

The defender also said he misses Indonesian food in Germany, naming Nasi Kuning and Nasi Goreng among his favourites. He once treated his teammates to an Indonesian meal, which he said was enjoyed by everyone.

Gladbach were due to host Hoffenheim on Matchday 6, with the opportunity to claim their first Bundesliga win of the season.