Bjelica to Union: "Fear in my head and in my legs"
Nenad Bjelica knew exactly what the problem was. The new coach of 1. FC Union Berlin didn't try to talk about tactics or anything else after his disappointing 1-1 draw at SC Braga. "With our lack of confidence, it doesn't really matter which system you play," he said, talking down his switch to a back four. "There's a certain fear in the players' heads and legs. We will talk positively to the team."
The 52-year-old Croatian also tried a positive approach late on Wednesday evening in northern Portugal. After the red card against Braga's Sikou Niakaté (31st minute), Union had been outnumbered for more than a half. Nevertheless, Braga were the better team for long stretches and deservedly equalized through Álvaro Djaló (52'). Robin Gosens (42) had previously given Union the lead.
As a result, Union now only have a mini-chance of making it through to the Europa League in their final Champions League group game against Real Madrid. "Of course, we are now dependent on other results. If we had won, we would have had it in our own hands," analyzed Bjelica. And it won't get any easier for the successor to long-time successful coach Urs Fischer in the Bundesliga.
On Saturday, of all teams, they now face FC Bayern. His team has "problems with the ball" and "we don't dare to play risky passes", said Bjelica about his team's lack of confidence. As a result, the Köpenickers have now been waiting 16 competitive matches for a winning result. Will that change at Bayern?
Despite the 1-1 draw against SC Braga in the Champions League, 1st FC Union Berlin still have a chance to qualify for the Europa League. However, their lack of confidence is a concern for coach Nenad Bjelica, as he mentioned after the game, "We have problems with the ball and we don't dare to play risky passes. Soccer is a game of fears, and there's a certain fear in the players' heads and legs. We need to face our fears, especially when we play against high-caliber teams like Champions League opponents braga and upcoming Bundesliga rival FC Bayern."
Source: www.dpa.com
