Union's interim coach initially only plans until Augsburg game
Union Berlin's new coach Marco Grote is not planning far ahead for the Köpenickers. "First of all until Augsburg. I honestly don't know anything else. It's not that I'm particularly itchy either," said the 51-year-old at his first press conference following the departure of Urs Fischer. President Dirk Zingler had announced that the search for a coach would be a careful process that would not be approached under time pressure.
Together with assistant Marie-Louise Eta, Grote is preparing the struggling Bundesliga club for the home game against FC Augsburg on Saturday (3.30pm/Sky). After 14 games without a win in a row, the new coaching duo are focusing on building up the Iron's mental strength.
"It's about getting to know emotional worlds. It's about reminding the players what quality they have. They will want to. They will be on fire," announced Grote. He could understand that players and fans felt sad after the departure of long-term coach Fischer. "But we are no longer in the past. We are in the future," said Grote.
Before his promotion to interim coach in the Bundesliga, Grote had coached the Union U19s. "Basically, my work doesn't change much. It's soccer. It's soccer in the U19s and it's soccer here," said Grote, adding: "Of course it's faster, more intense and more physical and the environment is different."
Grote will be without several players against Augsburg, who are unbeaten in four matches. Rani Khedira is suspended, while veteran defender Leonardo Bonucci and Sheraldo Becker are out injured.
Union Berlin's interim coach Marco Grote is focusing on preparing the team for their Bundesliga match against FC Augsburg, a crucial game for the 1st FC Union Berlin following their 14-game winless streak. Grote, who had been coaching Union's U19 team before his promotion, acknowledged the difference in pace and intensity but stressed that it's still about soccer, just on a bigger stage.
Source: www.dpa.com
