Captain Christopher Trimmel (left) and striker Sheraldo Becker are two important pillars of the Union’s success Photo: picture alliance / contrastphoto
From BZ/dpa
Union Berlin’s captain Christopher Trimmel emphasized the mental strength of the Bundesliga soccer club before the eagerly awaited Europa League premiere in the An der Alten Försterei stadium.
“We can handle pressure very well. We have proven that in recent years. We always delivered, especially in the very important games,” said the 35-year-old trimmel on Wednesday before the game on Thursday (6.45 p.m.) against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise from Belgium.
Urs Fischer will probably have to replace Jordan Siebatcheu and Diogo Leite in the first Europa League game at the Alte Försterei Photo: picture alliance/dpa/Revierfoto
It was “pure anticipation”. “We love such challenges. It won’t be easy, but we’re playing at home and we’ll enjoy it a lot,” said Trimmel.
The game is also special for Union because, unlike last year, the club can play in the Europa Conference League at their home stadium An der Alten Försterei and does not have to switch to the Olympic Stadium.
“The atmosphere will be special. Every fan will see that the day has finally come when we can play internationally in our own stadium,” said the Austrian. “That’s why it will of course be emotional, but we will concentrate on our performance and have enough tasks to accomplish. We won’t get hectic or nervous there.”
Diogo Leite (right) played in the first four Bundesliga games. He was missing against Bayern (1-1). So probably also on Thursday against Saint-Gilloise Photo: picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PRESS
Coach has to do without Urs Fischer against the Belgian runners-up, forward Jordan Siebatcheu (muscular problems) and central defender Diogo Leite (breastbone contusion). The two may be available again for the Bundesliga game at 1. FC Köln on Sunday, said Fischer.
Midfielder Janik Haberer is an option again on Thursday after missing the game against FC Bayern Munich.