The stand‑in captain of Borussia Mönchengladbach, Kevin Diks, opened up about the leadership lessons he’s gathered and the thrill of hoisting a trophy with Indonesia.
<!–>
Gladbach have endured a tough start to the season, losing all five of their opening five Bundesliga matches, but that makes it all the more valuable that Diks is remaining philosophical and optimistic.
Speaking to international Bundesliga journalists, the defender said: “I’ve played so much football by now and been in many situations when things are not going your way. You can end up losing a few matches in a row, with a 4-3 here or a 2-1 there, like in the derby [against Cologne on Matchday 5].
Watch: Diks and Gladbach fell to derby defeat
–> <!–>
I consent to external content being displayed, allowing data transfer and cookies. See the privacy notice for details. | Edit cookie settings
Focus only on what you can control and stay positive, Diks said. Negativity breeds more setbacks, so he urges improvement and results.
Those remarks matter especially since Diks has worn the armband in three of the first five matches, stepping in for the injured captain Tim Kleindienst.
He sees the captain’s role as a natural step in his growth; in my view, Diks exemplifies how on‑field responsibility sharpens leadership.
I agree that external content from will be shown to me. This enables personal data to be transmitted to and cookies to be set by . You can find out more about this in ‘s privacy statement | Edit cookie settings–>
According to him, some teammates are born leaders, yet there are many paths to influence and you don’t always need to be loud.
‘I wasn’t a leader before,’ he admitted, ‘but over the past five or six years I’ve evolved into one.’
At 30, Diks led Indonesia at the start of their FIFA ASEAN Cup run last month, guiding them to a historic victory and converting a penalty in the final shootout against Thailand.
Diks lifted Indonesia’s first ASEAN Cup trophy in 35 years. – IMAGO/Agung Kuncahya B.
He still buzzes from the win, calling it a great honour and an emotional rollercoaster that produced a landmark achievement.
Diks explained the plan to take the first spot‑kick in Jakarta’s shootout, insisting, ‘There was no way I’d miss; I knew we’d win.’
He told teammate Joey Pelupessy during the game that a penalty showdown would guarantee victory.
<!–>
Diks has scored five goals in 35 Bundesliga appearances for Gladbach since joining them in summer 2025. – IMAGO/Ulrich Hufnagel –>
Reflecting on Gladbach’s multicultural locker room, Diks praised the humble, hardworking Japanese players and highlighted Wael Mohya, a German of Moroccan descent.
He added that each squad member contributes unique strengths from their own culture.
I agree that external content from will be shown to me. This enables personal data to be transmitted to and cookies to be set by . You can find out more about this in ‘s privacy statement | Edit cookie settings–>
💥 Devastating from Diks! –><!–>
–>