From BZ/dpa
Union’s sporting crisis comes at the most inopportune time. In order for the trend to turn around against SC Braga in the Champions League, the defense must be more stable – and the attack more efficient.
Union Berlin against Sporting Braga – there was something there. A year after the duels in the group phase of the Europa League, both teams will meet in the Champions League this Tuesday (6.45 p.m./DAZN and here in the live ticker). The Iron Men want to celebrate the first premier class success in their club’s history against the supposedly weakest opponent in the preliminary round.
That’s what matters for the Köpenick team against the Portuguese first division team
On self-confidence: There have never been five competitive defeats in a row during Urs Fischer’s time in office. The situation is new for both the coach and his players. The frustration is deep, doubts are growing, self-confidence is lower than it has been for years. Can Union Berlin have a crisis? “The team doesn’t have the sense of success to appear with a big chest,” said manager Oliver Ruhnert. But hiding doesn’t help against the guests from the south. Union must believe in itself again.
On defensive stability: The defensive center has long been the club’s comfort center. Since the injury to stabilizer Rani Khedira, the Köpenickers have lacked security in the game at the back. The absence of defense chief Robin Knoche also contributes to the porous Union structure. And now SC Braga is currently home to Portugal’s best offensive department. The instinctive interaction between the new signings Alex Kral, Leonardo Bonucci, Lucas Tousart and Co. must work on Tuesday evening.
On the conclusion: Braga allows a lot. The Portuguese have conceded 13 goals this season – the fifth-worst figure in their league. So Union will have its chances. But the Köpenickers are not lacking in scoring opportunities anyway; their ability to score goals is currently the big drawback in the Iron Men’s game. Union runs – and fails. Where is the efficiency? Six shots on goal against Hoffenheim (0:2), eight against Heidenheim (0:1) and in the end the score was still zero. “It’s really difficult when I see what the team spends,” said Fischer, perplexed.
Union’s Sheraldo Becker, like the entire team, is currently stuck Photo: Uwe Anspach/dpa
To the veterans: An unsettled team like Union needs calm and stability. The experience of Champions League experts such as European champion Bonucci or national player Robin Gosens is needed against Braga. You have to lead the way and take responsibility on the field. The burden that the new recruits are currently carrying is already big enough. “The whole upheaval has just been passed on to the players who have just joined,” said Ruhnert.