FCU back in the relegation battle
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Union Berlin also lost the second game under Marie-Louise Eta and failed to gain breathing room in the relegation battle. The Köpenickers lost 3-1 to Champions League candidate RB Leipzig, and the lead over the relegation place could shrink to three points if FC St. Pauli wins. “No stomach ache. We knew that it would continue to be a tough road and that we couldn’t expect to turn everything around within a short space of time,” said Eta after the game.
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After the unfortunate 1:2 defeat on Eta’s debut against VfL Wolfsburg last weekend, a much stronger opponent awaited them on Friday evening in the form of Leipzig. “We knew what awaited us here today, that there would be a high level of quality. And yet we had big plans. In the end, of course, we are disappointed with the result,” explained Eta. The Leipzig team around the strong Yan Diomande missed several good chances to score.
“I think that we did a good job defensively in the first half, that we won the ball well, but then we just didn’t do enough with it. We lost the balls too quickly at times,” complained the soccer teacher. “I saw a team that continued to believe in it. And I think that’s important.” Union has been without a win for five games, only picked up one point during this period and has to look downwards.
Leipzig in strong form: Werner has “no stress at all” in the future
Things look completely different with their opponent RB Leipzig, who are taking big steps towards the Champions League. The Saxons have won all of their last five games and are in third place with 62 points. The lead over TSG Hoffenheim, who can improve on Hamburger SV on Saturday evening, is eight points. Nevertheless, there have recently been discussions about the future of coach Ole Werner, whose contract is valid until 2027 and who, with 2.03 points per game, has the best average of all Leipzig Bundesliga coaches.
“I’m not stressed about it at all. I’m totally happy with the work we’re doing here, with the collaboration. I don’t see any issue, no pressure at all. I was also surprised during the week that it became an issue because we’re all very clear in the way we talk to each other about what it’s about now. And that’s primarily to achieve our goal for the season. I’m totally happy with everything the way it is right now and I’m just concentrating on our goals. Everything else will be in the future show, said the 37-year-old: “A few aluminum goals could have decided the game earlier. First of all, we simply have an incredible number of shots on goal and also good chances that we create. For me, that’s actually the positive. I’m clearly happy with the development. But we certainly should have decided the game earlier today.”
Werner also has the backing of Managing Director Sports Marcel Schäfer. “Even a record season is possible. You know what kind of teams have played here at RB Leipzig. The coaching team around Ole Werner, the team, the staff, the whole club have contributed to why we are here now after a really very disappointing last season. But we have to get it over the finish line now,” he said. Leipzig’s best season was the year after promotion in 2016/17, when they scored 67 points under Ralph Hasenhüttl. With two wins in the remaining games against Bayer Leverkusen, FC St. Pauli and SC Freiburg, this record would be set.
