The starting position is good: After the 0-0 draw in the first leg, 1. FC Union are aiming for the round of 16 of the Europa League against Ajax Amsterdam at home. Coach Urs Fischer calls for a Köpenicker quality.
The mood before the game…
… is great. Coach Urs Fischer – two days after his 57th birthday – had to endure the classic Köpenick celebration ritual at the training session on Wednesday. Before the second leg in the intermediate round of the Europa League against Ajax Amsterdam (Thursday, 9 p.m.) there was not only a ‘Happy Birthday’ performance, but the Swiss player also happily threw balls at him. “One or the other was tough because he was also precise. I hope the guys take this precision with them. I can still feel it,” said Fischer at the subsequent press conference.
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Precision and efficiency – that’s exactly what Fischer demanded for the game against the Dutch record champions. The offensive should deliver again after two zero numbers. “If I have to take the game in Amsterdam then I don’t feel like you get five, six big chances so it’s about being efficient,” he said.
That tired 0-0 against Schalke 04 – perhaps the weakest home performance this season – and the missed chance to lead the table are ticked off. Regeneration was the top priority in the past few days. Because now there are two big opportunities within four days. Reaching the round of 16 would be the greatest international success in club history. And on Sunday (5:30 p.m.) Bayern Munich have their next chance at the top of the league.
The opponent …
Ajax Amsterdam confirmed their good form under ex-Hertha player John Heitinga at the weekend. The 4-0 win against sixth-placed Sparta Rotterdam was their fourth league win in a row. Captain Dusan Tadic scored twice while Mohammed Kudus celebrated his ninth Eredivisie goal of the season. It is exactly the players that the Köpenicker have to pay more attention to. “Players like Mohammed Kudus, Dusan Tadic and Steven Bergwijn have to be at their best in the second leg, otherwise Ajax won’t win against Union,” said Bryan Roy – ex-Hertha player and youth coach of Sheraldo Becker – in the rbb | 24 interview.
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This is how Union could play…
Urs Fischer’s selection of personnel has increased once again. He can again plan with central defender Diogo Leite. The Portuguese took part in the Iron Team’s final training session without any noticeable problems. The Portuguese had to play in the Bundesliga on Sunday due to illness have to pause against Schalke 04.
Rani Khedira and Jerome Roussillion, who had complained of cold symptoms after the Schalke game, were also present at the practice session on the square behind the stadium at the Alte Försterei. And also captain Christopher Trimmel, who was suspended in the first leg in the Johan Cruyff Arena, and Janik Haberer are options for the starting line-up. Only midfielder András Schäfer is still missing from 1. FC Union because of his foot injury.
So Fischer will take the opportunity and rotate again. In defense, Timo Baumgartl, who is not registered for the Europa League, slips out of the starting eleven. Leite is ready as a replacement. Niko Gießelmann, who was ailing in the final training session, will probably get a break. Josip Juranovic (unplayed against Schalke) and Roussillion (only ten minutes on the pitch) are possible fresh players for the flanks. In the two storm positions – occupied in the league by Sven Michel and Kevin Behrens – is Sheraldo Becker against his youth club certainly take a place, at his side Jordan could get his chance.
This is how Union could start: Rönnow – Leite, Knoche, Doekhi – Roussillion, R. Khedira, Juranovic – Haberer, Thorsby – Jordan, Becker
Prognosis …
1. FC Union doesn’t want to leave anything to chance. They are also prepared for a possible penalty shoot-out, which would be necessary in the event of a draw after regular time and overtime. “Of course we have,” said Fischer when asked whether penalties had been practiced in training.
But it won’t get that far. The Köpenickers showed in the first leg that they are (at least) on par with their opponents. Now there’s the home factor. Union have lost only two of their last 23 competitive games at home. After the two zero numbers, the team regained their offensive efficiency and celebrated after 90 minutes.
The rbb | 24 tip: Sheraldo Becker gives Union a 1-0 win in regular time.
Broadcast: rbb24, February 22, 2023, 6:15 p.m
