Union switches to emergency mode
Urs Fischer is shutting down. And only wants one thing in this major crisis: work, work, work. After plummeting to the bottom of the Bundesliga, all training sessions at 1. FC Union Berlin have been declared "non-public" this week.
Fischer now needs one thing above all: rest and a focus on the essentials. The 4-0 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen was a dramatic reminder of what the Ironmen are currently lacking: Actually everything that promises success.
"We've conceded so many defeats. We have to improve in many areas, otherwise it will be difficult to stay in the league," said captain Christopher Trimmel. Coach Fischer was no less clear. "When you're playing in a relegation battle, you need a different body language, a different mentality," he said in the BayArena.
Nine defeats in a row
But is he still allowed to convey this mentality? In any case, the industry is amazed that the mechanisms do not (yet) apply in Köpenick. After nine defeats in a row, probably no other Bundesliga coach would still be in office. Fischer also knows that the "job guarantee" from manager Oliver Ruhnert or president Dirk Zingler does not apply indefinitely. "The situation is constantly being reassessed," said the 57-year-old.
One plus for Fischer is the Union DNA. Being uncritical of the club and team is part of the cult that the Köpenickers not only cultivate, but celebrate. The imposed extended family feeling should not be jeopardized in Berlin's Wuhlheide. It carried Union from the second division to the Champions League within four years on the incredible wave of success with Fischer as the grumpy master of ceremonies.
And now back again? Fischer is trying to give the impression that he can stop the trend. "We have to address this game in Leverkusen thoroughly - we have enough to do in the two weeks," he said about his tasks during the international break.
The motto is to get back to work on soccer. And the opponents offer a little hope. With the exception of FC Bayern Munich, all of the remaining 2023 opponents appear to be beatable on a good Union day: FC Augsburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfL Bochum, 1. FC Köln are their names until Christmas.
Fischer and his Union Berlin team have a tough task ahead, with many areas needing improvement after their recent string of defeats, including the 4-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen. In the Bundesliga, a coach wouldn't typically still be in charge after nine straight losses. Yet, Fischer remains optimistic, highlighting that the team's DNA and the upcoming games against FC Augsburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfL Bochum, and 1. FC Köln offer some hope for turning the tide.
Source: www.dpa.com
