Granit Xhaka would have no fun with Atletico Madrid move - Gladbach chief

Borussia Dortmund's hopes of qualifying for Europe next season suffered a further setback as they were beaten 3-1 at Borussia Monchengladbach.

Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl has laughed off reports linking midfielder Granit Xhaka with a move to Atletico Madrid.

Last week  to the Spanish champions, despite the 22-year-old only renewing his contract in February.

Xhaka confirmed he "also heard about this," but insisted his top priority is "to focus on my tasks here at Gladbach."

The midfielder has been key for the Foals as they close in on qualifying for the Champions League group stages for the first time.

But Eberl dismissed speculation regarding Xhaka moving from Borussia Park to Madrid, : "I know that Granit did not prolong his contract a few weeks ago only to make a €25 million summer switch to a club which sets up relatively few plays through midfield. He wouldn't have any fun."

Xhaka has been in impressive form in Gladbach's midfield this season.

After Saturday's 3-1 defeat of Borussia Dortmund and Schalke's goalless draw with Freiburg, Gladbach now have a 12-point lead on the fifth-placed Royal Blues, who sit one position outside the Champions League ranks.

"If Schalke takes that away from us, I'll retire from professional football," Xhaka told . "It was good to score an early goal. After that it was nearly a perfect game. I am incredibly proud of the team."

With Schalke seemingly out of the race, Gladbach and Bayer Leverkusen are set to battle out the last remaining direct qualification spot for the Champions League. The Foals currently have a two-point advantage, and the sides are just one goal apart on goal difference.

The Foals host both Wolfsburg and Leverkusen at home, and the match against the latter -- their local rivals -- on matchday 32 could decide whether they automatically qualify for Europe's elite club competition.

"That's true, this might be the decisive match," Xhaka added. "But we are on a roll right now, and I think that we'll get the points we need for the third spot until the end of the season."

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