Bundesliga
“Stop the count”: Union enjoys top spot with irony
The Swiss Urs Fischer is at the top of the table in the Bundesliga with 1. FC Union Berlin. photo
© Federico Gambarini/dpa
For the first time in Bundesliga history, Union Berlin is top of the table. And that after a starting program with opponents like FC Bayern or RB Leipzig. The Köpenickers remain on the ground.
After the historic jump to the top of the table, Andras Schäfer ironically called for the season to be canceled with a quote from Donald Trump. “Stop the count,” tweeted the Union Berlin midfielder.
Otherwise, the table from the 6th matchday in Köpenick will frame some, but because of the first week as the Bundesliga leader in the history of the club, nobody is taking off.
Midfielder Rani Khedira commented on the “leader” chants from the fans and the “German champion is only the FCU” after the 1-0 win at 1. FC Köln with a big grin. “The fans mean that ironically,” said the brother of ex-world champion Sami Khedira: “And we already know how to assess that.”
Khedira let it be known that they are surprised at the strong start to the season at the Irons. “Of course it’s difficult when you get 10 to 15 new players every year and there’s always a change,” said the 28-year-old: “Everyone thinks a bit and maybe also has one or the other concern. But we used the six weeks of preparation very intensively.”
Coach Fischer is happy about the “points cushion”
Coach Urs Fischer commented on the jump to the top of the table like any game. Sober, matter-of-fact, without a hint of euphoria or exuberance. When looking at the table, however, he was pleased with the 14 points, said the Swiss. Because they are a good cushion for the stressful weeks that follow. “The two English weeks were a foretaste of what will accompany us,” said Fischer with a view to the Europa League game on Thursday in Braga after the unsuccessful start with the 0-1 draw against Saint-Gilloise: “There will be there are certainly phases that don’t go so well.”
Goalkeeper Lennart Grill, who made a strong debut after his loan move from Leverkusen in the summer because of Frederik Rönnow’s injury, sees it in a similar way. “The burden is higher than ever,” he said: “We’re happy to take every point we already have. But if we defend like that, it’ll be fine.” Union has the best defense in the league with four goals conceded.
Grill’s performance was the next confirmation that the Irons now have a broad squad that can handle failures and rotation with virtually no loss of quality. “His performance was really very good,” said Fischer. Here, too, he was unsuspicious of exaggeration.
