From BZ/dpa
The horror series of 1. FC Union Berlin and coach Urs Fischer continued in the Bundesliga against Eintracht Frankfurt.
After their twelfth competitive defeat in a row, the Berliners slipped into the relegation zone. The Unioners lost 0:3 (0:2) against the Hessians on Saturday in the sold-out An der Alten Försterei stadium. The public pressure on Fischer and his professionals will continue to grow. The club and the environment had clearly supported the coach before the game.
Omar Marmoush gave Frankfurt a comfortable early lead in front of 22,012 spectators (minute 2, 14). The Iron Men’s subsequent attempt was unsuccessful. Substitute Nacho Ferri decided the game (82′).
Union hasn’t scored a point since the end of August. Before the international break, more difficult tasks await the Iron Men with the premier class game at SSC Napoli on Wednesday and the game against the strong Leverkusen team next weekend.
Omar Marmoush scored Eintracht’s first two goals Photo: City-Press GmbH
While the relegation battle looms in Köpenick, Eintracht stayed in touch with the European Cup places. Dino Toppmöller’s team got ten points from the last four league games. On Thursday, Eintracht will play the third of four away games in a row in the Conference League near Helsinki before traveling to Bremen on Sunday.
The Köpenickers tried out the big symbolic solidarity before the game. President Dirk Zingler unmistakably supported Fischer in the stadium booklet. In the current situation, the club would be “poorly advised to send home one of the best coaches in the Bundesliga,” he said on Sky.
The fans also left no stone unturned: even before kick-off there were chants and lots of applause for the 57-year-old. After warming up, the team stood in front of the stands and was cheered on with “Let’s go Union, fight and win”.
Robin Gosens and Frankfurt junior Dina Ebimbe fight for the ball Photo: City Press
But the confidence had a quick expiration date. The guests’ early lead through their first shot on goal fit perfectly into the Berlin picture of the last few weeks. After a foul whistle against Robin Knoche, which was at least controversial, Union only inadequately defended the following free kick. Marmoush scored with a low shot from the turn – the Egyptian was successful in the third league game in a row.
The 24-year-old’s second goal, who, like against Dortmund last weekend, scored a brace, was a simple ball behind the Berlin defensive line. Hugo Larsson put it in the middle, where Marmoush slotted in unchallenged.
Even though the hosts then had two good opportunities through David Fofana (18th, 19th) and tried a lot offensively, the consequences of the long unsuccessful weeks could not be overlooked. Simple passes were played behind teammates, and there were always misunderstandings.
However, the people of Köpenick could not be accused of a lack of effort. Frankfurt barely got out of their own half in the second half, but Berlin’s offense was often imprecise and hapless.
Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp saved against Fofana (59th). Substitute Kevin Behrens headed the ball next to the goal from the best position (69′). Far too few of the countless crosses found takers. Consequently, things continued on the other side: Ferri decided the match after a one-two with Mario Götze.