By Sebastian Karkos
Equal points at the top with FC Bayern and Dortmund, the round of 16 in the Europa League in mind – the iron faces the week of truth.
BZ says what to do now for the coach and the team!
► Mentally recover! Thursday in Amsterdam (0-0), then Sunday the league game against Schalke (0-0). Apparently that was too much in three days. No rotation helped against the bottom of the table.
Now the minds have to be free, relaxation has to develop. The next highlight follows on Thursday in the second leg against Ajax (9 p.m. / RTL). If the Union professionals presented themselves as they did in Holland, then the round of 16 should be reached.
Bitter: While Bayern can fully recover before the top game against Union on Sunday (5.30 p.m. / DAZN), the pros of the Irons will have one more game in their legs.
Sheraldo Becker is waiting for his first goal in 2023 Photo: Andreas Gora/dpa
► Get Becker on track! 0-0 twice in a row – without a goal of your own it will be difficult. It’s time for a goal from Sheraldo Becker (28), who is still without a goal in 2023. The Dutchman no longer seems relaxed. Coach Urs Fischer (57) after the 0-0 win in Amsterdam: “There were one or two situations that I discussed with him because he wanted to force something.”
If Union wants to continue riding the wave of success in the Bundesliga and Europe, Becker goals are needed. Especially since the storm rivals have recently jammed.
► Include Laidouni more! In terms of numbers, Union is well positioned in attacking midfield, but in reality Fischer has few alternatives, as some professionals no longer play a role (Pantovic, Möhlwald, Öztunali) or are injured (Schäfer).
It’s good that Aissa Laidouni (26/Ferencvaros) came in winter. The Franco-Tunisian showed against Schalke that he can help Union with his ball security.
An important factor especially before the next duels…