Union: Fischer expects “strong opponents” in Mönchengladbach

Urs Fischer (centre) and Union Berlin are waiting for Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday.

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1. FC Union Berlin concludes the 29th matchday against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday evening (7.30 p.m., LIVE! on kicker). The players then know the rest of the results. Before the kick-off, it tends to be clear which result is which place in the table is possible for the currently third-placed team. Union coach Urs Fischer “doesn’t have it in his head”. In the end, his team would have to show a very good performance in order to score points in Gladbach, said Fischer at the press conference on Friday afternoon.

Union narrowly won the first leg on October 30, 2-1. Goals from Kevin Behrens and Danilho Doekhi turned a 1-0 deficit in the closing stages. A repeat of this success should be much more difficult away from home. “I’m expecting a strong opponent, as their last results have shown. They drew three times and won once,” reported Fischer.

Five yellow suspensions threaten

In terms of personnel, the situation in Köpenick is very relaxed. Almost all players in the squad are available. Only Paul Jaeckel and Andras Schäfer are out of the question: Defender Jaeckel saw the yellow-red card in the home game against VfL Bochum (1:1). He is suspended and could be replaced by Diogo Leite. Midfielder Schäfer is back in full training after surviving a foot injury. “It’s still too early to use it,” said Fischer.

With defenders Niko Gießelmann, Robin Knoche and Diogo Leite as well as midfielder Paul Seguin and attacker Behrens, five Union players have been penalized with four warnings. But that shouldn’t stand in the way of their commitment. “I can’t tell the players to pull their foot back if they have to commit a tactical foul,” said Fischer.

Ex-Unioner Friedrich does not have an easy time with Gladbach

At least off the pitch there will be a reunion with Marvin Friedrich. The ex-Unioner, who was undisputed during his time in Berlin, had recently publicly complained about his bank role in Mönchengladbach.

Fischer noticed that too and formed an opinion. “I found the interview a bit unfortunate. I do hope that Marvin talked to the coach. That would be the way,” said Fischer. “It’s sometimes important to accept such situations. I assume that my fellow coach has his reasons for making the decision.”