At the weekend, Urs Fischer, coach of 1. FC Union Berlin, released his team because they had completed their most important job of the current season. On Friday evening, Union defeated 1. FC Köln 1-0 and thus reached the goal of the season six games before the end. Union has collected 41 points, staying in the class is secured. “We’re going into the fourth year of the Bundesliga,” said Union manager Oliver Ruhnert, 50, to the SZ and asked a rhetorical question. “Who would have thought that possible back then?”
When you consider how manageable the financial means that Union is using, add to that what personnel cuts the team had to digest and remember that the team has the wear and tear participation in the Conference League in the bones, one is inclined to say: Union has perhaps played its best season ever.
There hasn’t been a single season since the promotion season without a break. But this time a whole axis broke away: Robert Andrich went to Leverkusen, the temporarily loaned new international Nico Schlotterbeck returned to Freiburg, Marvin Friedrich decided for Mönchengladbach in the winter, Max Kruse succumbed to the money of VfL Wolfsburg. What they left behind: the reputation of being an example of the astonishingly successful path that Union is treading.
the modus operandi der Unioner: You are looking for players who are not or no longer trusted elsewhere to succeed in the Bundesliga. Example Andrich: failed at Hertha and played in the Heidenheimer sinking; at Union he played not only in the field of vision of Leverkusen, but now also of national coach Hansi Flick. Friedrich came from FC Augsburg II; Kruse from Turkey. Taiwo Awoniyi, who scored his twelfth goal of the season against Cologne (49th minute) on Friday, only really came through in Köpenick after an unsuccessful spell as a loan player at Liverpool FC.
He now looks back on an Africa Cup of Nations appearance and has been shortlisted by a number of Premier League candidates. Newcastle United are reportedly considering a purchase. Of course there are players that one would like to keep or would like to keep, says Ruhnert. But: “We’re just not in certain spheres.” The result: “It seems that there will be another upheaval in 2022.” He doesn’t sound worried. So far, Union has survived the periodically recurring revolutions “because we have a very, very good scouting department and in Urs Fischer a coach who ultimately brings everything together,” says Ruhnert.
If teams were to reflect the character of their respective coaches, the 1-0 win against Cologne was another example of what Union stands for: a work ethic full of sincerity whose reward is unpredictable. What goals would Fischer now reformulate? With three home games left, he is aiming for three wins. “Then we would be at 50 points like last year. Then we could see what that’s enough for,” said the Swiss.
“The word Europe is not difficult for us at all!” says manager Oliver Ruhnert
Last year, 50 points were enough for seventh place – and thus for the Europa Conference League, in which Union had almost reached the knockout phase despite difficult group opponents (Feyenoord, Slavia Prague). Fischer’s words almost seem as if one does not dare to pronounce Europe. “The word Europe is not difficult for us! But we would be crazy if we Europe as goal would spend!” protested Ruhnert. “This team is characterized by the fact that they want to be successful from game to game. It goes without saying that we then want to take advantage of the opportunities that we have developed.”
So or so: A few highlights are already programmed. On Saturday, Union visits Hertha, who are in danger of relegation. Union does not want to leave any points. But because the derby is perceived as invigorating, one wishes that Hertha would also remain in the league.
“A full forester’s office, a full Olympic Stadium, the attention that this game also arouses internationally… Such a derby is a nice thing,” says Ruhnert. The cup semifinals in Leipzig are scheduled for April 20th. “You don’t have to fool yourself: If you want to win in Leipzig, you have to do something extraordinary on the day of the match,” says Ruhnert. Since reaching the goal for the season, Union can concentrate on it in peace.
