By Sebastian Karkos
What’s going on at Union? 0:3 against Leipzig, 1:2 in Wolfsburg – there have not been two Bundesliga defeats in a row since spring 2022.
The Iron Men are in a mini-crisis. And that before the hit Wednesday (6.45 p.m./DAZN) at Real Madrid. BZ answers the 5 questions that every Union fan is currently asking themselves.
► Will Iron Wednesday go under? This is not to be expected. Even if the team is not in top shape. Coach Urs Fischer (57) always managed to have his team ready at the moment. Nevertheless, the Swiss warns: “There will be phases that we have to get through.” And there will probably be a few of them…
► What’s wrong? Seven goals conceded after four games – Union was only weaker in 2019/20 (8). The defense around defense chief Robin Knoche (31) currently does not exude the security that Union was known for in the past. Clearer Rani Khedira (29/calf) may be missing more than expected.
► How far is Sheraldo Becker? After his thigh and calf injuries, the Dutchman celebrated his comeback in Wolfsburg in the 61st minute. Becker appeared unsteady in many actions. But: The offensive man made the difference in many games last season. Union also needs such actors in Madrid.
► What does Leonardo Bonucci actually do? The 121-time national player for Italy was left with only the bench in Wolfsburg – as before against Leipzig. The ex-Juve star would probably only have gotten a short stint if Union had had to defend a lead. Bonucci has to be patient.
► What gives hope? The header strength! Union scored seven of the nine league goals this season with their heads. In Wolfsburg, Robin Gosens (29) scored with a header to make it 1-1 (28th) – after a Laidouni cross. Four goals from crosses are also the league top.
Cross, header, goal – perhaps the means on Wednesday in Madrid…