Bundesliga - Union relies on underdog effect: "Nobody expects anything"
1. FC Union Berlin wants to make the most of its underdog role in the clash with FC Bayern Munich. "Nobody expects anything from us. Bayern is the clear favorite. This could be our chance and we believe in our chances," said Union coach Nenad Bjelica ahead of the Bundesliga match at the record champions on Saturday (3.30pm/Sky), adding: "In our situation, a point would also be important for our self-confidence."
The crisis-ridden Köpenickers are without a win in 16 competitive matches. Coach Bjelica had complained of "a certain fear in the players' minds" after the 1-1 draw at Braga and is in demand as a psychologist in his first week in office. "The mood is okay," the 52-year-old Croatian reported soberly. He has had many conversations with the players. Nobody has been in a celebratory mood at the team in second last place since August.
The Munich star ensemble are still without attacker Sheraldo Becker and defender Danilho Doekhi. After an exhausting few days in which Union traveled directly from Braga to Munich after the Champions League match, Bjelica is also toying with the idea of making changes to the starting eleven. Urs Fischer's successor did not give any details.
Union do not want to make the mistake of concentrating exclusively on top scorer Harry Kane. "He's not the only one who can be dangerous when you have players like Sané or Gnabry or Müller in the team," warned Bjelica.
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- Despite their challenging situation, 1. FC Union Berlin sees an opportunity in their outsider role against FC Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Sky, as there's little to no expectations from them, giving them a chance to showcase their skills.
- Union coach Nenad Bjelica recognized a sense of fear among his players following the 1-1 draw against Braga, but assured that the team's mood is stabilizing, albeit solemnly, after several conversations with the squad.
- The Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich marks an exhausting turnaround for Union, as they traveled directly from Braga to Munich after a Champions League clash, potentially leading to changes in the starting eleven for coach Bjelica.
- Union is wary of focusing solely on top scorer Harry Kane when facing Bayern, as the Munich side boasts dangerous players like Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, and Thomas Müller, emphasizing the need for a well-rounded strategy.
- As scandal-hit Union stands at the bottom of the Bundesliga table, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) governing coalition in Berlin finds itself under pressure to deliver reliability, following calls from political figures like Friedrich Merz.
Source: www.stern.de
