Football-Bundesliga - Departure mood at Union - Ruhnert seeks new Awoniyis
After the problematic end of the season in the Football-Bundesliga, Union Berlin hopes for a worry-free campaign. "It's a completely different atmosphere, a different focus even compared to the training camp last summer," said Oliver Ruhnert in the training camp in Austria, "the boys are loose now. We have new motivation, a new coaching staff, and a sense of new beginnings. That's a good foundation."
Due to the qualification for the Champions League last year, Ruhnert noticed a "certain self-satisfaction" during the summer training camp 2023, which almost ended in the second league. Union had scored the 2:1 against SC Freiburg in the last minute of stoppage time and thus pushed VfL Bochum to the relegation place. Currently, after the last-minute prevented potential relegation, the 52-year-old is experiencing a "we-can-achieve-something-mentality".
The new leadership team
In the season starting from August 23rd, Horst Heldt, Ruhnert's successor as sports business manager, hopes for a trouble-free season. "We're capable of that. There's a process going on in the team, then there's a different attitude and a new idea of football that fits Union. In the end, it comes down to getting enough points," said the former professional.
For the right mix, there will still be changes in the team. Heldt and Ruhnert, who now works as a scout, want to present a complete squad as soon as possible. Ruhnert is happy that, with Heldt, another person with football expertise is active for Union and sees his own - self-chosen - role not as a demotion. "For me, this is a constellation in which I feel very comfortable," said the manager, who also took on duties in the politics of the Left Party (BSW) with Heldt and had already worked together at Schalke 04, "I don't feel that far away yet, it's not yet the feeling that something is missing."
New transfers for Union
I myself will be less present at games in the future. "I'm focusing more on finding replacements for Beckers or Awoniyis, who have done well for us. That's my core responsibility." Sheraldo Becker and Taiwo Awoniyi contributed to Union's international participation. The two forwards were also transferred economically well. New transfers should ensure a good sixth season in the Bundesliga for Union.
- With the Champions League on the horizon, Union Berlin is aiming to maintain their momentum from last season and secure a successful campaign.
- The length of the training camp in Austria has given the team a chance to settle into a new atmosphere, with a focus on new beginnings and a sense of excitement.
- Despite qualifying for the Champions League, the team has not rested on their laurels, as shown by their last-minute win against SC Freiburg to avoid relegation.
- SC Freiburg was not the only Bundesliga team that Union Berlin faced last year, with VfL Bochum also feeling the impact, as Union's victory against Freiburg pushed Bochum towards relegation.
- As Union Berlin prepares for the new season, they are looking to strengthen their squad with new transfers, with a focus on finding replacements for key players like Sheraldo Becker and Taiwo Awoniyi.
- Horst Heldt, the new sports business manager, shares Ruhnert's optimism for the season, stating that the team has a process in place, a different attitude, and a new idea of football that fits Union.
