The union could face the most severe Bundesliga descent in over five decades.
In Berlin, 1. FC Union Berlin's management opted for an almost tacky location for their motivational speech ahead of their final relegation match. Manager Oliver Ruhnert and captain Christopher Trimmel got everyone, including President Dirk Zingler and club employees, ready for the crucial game against SC Freiburg on Saturday (3.30 pm/Sky) right on the Spree. The chant of "Union can only do it together" rang out in a prayer-like manner, readying everyone for the season finale. It was similar to the phrases used by Union's direct rivals from Bochum, Mainz, and Cologne.
The soccer fairytale of Union, which started with promotion to the Bundesliga and culminated in Champions League qualification last year, has evolved into a nightmare. After some subpar performances, Union (30 points) is no longer in control of their relegation fate. Sitting in 16th place, they must win on Saturday and hope for a slip-up by Mainz (32) or Bochum (33).
From Fairy Tale to Nightmare
Even relegation still looms for the Berliners. Runners-up Cologne are still in the hunt and are targeting the relegation places after three games without defeat. "We were actually dead. And suddenly you're alive again," said defender Dominique Heintz after Union's last-minute win in their previous match. Suddenly, there is a great sense of confidence at FC. The prospect of the Rhine derby in the relegation play-off against Fortuna Düsseldorf gives extra motivation. "The team is positive and full of energy," FC coach Timo Schultz issued a warning to the competition.
However, Union's interim coach Marco Grote remains unfazed. "Afraid? I'm not," responded the 51-year-old. After glamorous Champions League trips to the awe-inspiring Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Union is now facing the possibility of away trips to Fürth or Elversberg. It would likely be the worst Bundesliga relegation in 55 years. There have never been a club's unchecked fall from the top flight to the 2nd division. At best, 1. FC Nürnberg's relegation as German champions 55 years ago could serve as a comparison.
No Longer "Old Union"
Union is no longer Union. On and off the pitch, the team seems lifeless. Performance like against Bayern and wasted victories like in Cologne don't inspire confidence in relegation survival. Union's ambition, which once propelled them to countless victories in the past, now seems to have been blown away.
Furthermore, there are an unusually high number of side stories for Berlin standards. For instance, captain Trimmel and Rani Khedira had to respond publicly to a media report before the relegation final. This article had suggested that the key players had complained about a lack of team spirit among some teammates. "We won't allow insinuations like this made-up mercenary warning to drive us apart as a team," Trimmel and Khedira declared. Unnecessary turmoil that the club can't afford ahead of the relegation final.
Trimmel's Loyalty Statement
The only positive development this week was Trimmel's contract extension. Grote hopes that this show of loyalty will give the team an extra boost. "Ten years as a Union player. It doesn't get much more symbolic than that. For him, for all of us, for everyone at Union. It's a good sign," said Grote.
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Despite Union Berlin's strong start in the Bundesliga, struggling with relegation in their third season is a stark contrast to their fairytale rise. This year could potentially mark the Union's worst Bundesliga crash in over half a century, surpassing even 1. FC Nürnberg's relegation as German champions 55 years ago.
As Union face the possibility of crashing out of the Bundesliga, their Union 'Bundesliga' years might be coming to an end prematurely. Union's management and supporters are engaged in a desperate bid to rally support and secure a victory against SC Freiburg, aiming to avoid a bleak reality of playing in the 2nd division.
Source: www.ntv.de
