Coach Fischer: In the tunnel at kick-off, light at the final whistle
Union Berlin's debut season in the European Champions League should by no means turn into a zero-point agony. Before the first Champions League game in the club's history, coach Urs Fischer repeatedly emphasized that they had to enjoy these games. On the fourth matchday, however, the Irons are already threatened with failure. If they lose again this Wednesday (18:45/DAZN) at SSC Napoli, they will not be able to reach the knockout round in the two remaining games. And that after twelve defeats in a row in three competitions.
"Of course, it's not the same enjoyment when you go through a phase like this," said Fischer at the press conference in the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Nevertheless, they had to try, "because we've worked hard for a year".
After being promoted in 2019, the Unioners managed to stay in the Bundesliga in their first season. This was followed by qualification for the Conference League, then for the Europa League and last season, surprisingly, for the Champions League.
Fischer emphasized that in order to play successful soccer, you also need to have the necessary joy and fun. In the days of preparation for the game in Naples, his team had shown him "that they are prepared to try everything for 90 minutes to take the three points back to Berlin". When asked to what extent he could enjoy the game, the 57-year-old Swiss said: "When a game starts, I'm in the tunnel." When the referee "then blows the whistle, I see a bit of light again".
In spite of their current struggles, 1st FC Union Berlin aims to avoid a dismal performance in their first Champions League campaign, especially during their upcoming match against SSC Napoli. If Union Berlin fails to secure a win against Napoli, they may miss out on advancing to the knockout stage, extending their streak of defeats in three competitions to thirteen games.
In the stadium Diego Armando Maradona, coach Urs Fischer highlighted the courage and determination of his team as they prepare for the Champion League challenge against SSC Napoli, despite facing challenging circumstances. Despite his focus on the match, Fischer finds a sliver of joy and satisfaction in the moment the referee blows the whistle to commence the game.
Source: www.dpa.com
