Crisis on and off the Pitch: Union Berlin Faces Challenges Amidst Defeats and Team Disunity

Everything was still possible on the pitch – but off the pitch everything is lost for Union!

► 70th minute, Champions League in the Olympic Stadium, Union Berlin is behind 0-1 against Naples.

The substituted striker David Fofana (20) reluctantly trots off the pitch, coach Urs Fischer (57) offers him his hand – but Fofana looks down and doesn’t look at Fischer. He pokes Fofana lightly in the side and calls out an angry “Hey” after him.

This is where Union’s ideal world is falling apart.

Union coach Urs Fischer is in crisis with his team

Photo: Andreas Gora/dpa

It has been characterized by unique success in recent years; Fischer, together with manager Oliver Ruhnert (51), led the club from the 2nd league to the premier class in five years.

But there was the ninth competitive game defeat in a row on Tuesday evening. In Europe, the Köpenickers are on the verge of elimination, in the Bundesliga they are in a relegation battle.

In the middle of the sporting crisis, the dispute over two new stars is now escalating. Chelsea loanee Fofana would have liked to continue playing, but later apologized for his omission. Nevertheless, he has to report. Fischer: “There will be a conversation.” The Ivorian Fofana is now playing on probation.

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Even before the Naples game kicked off, there was a stir surrounding Italian star Leonardo Bonucci (36). Italian media reported that he was dissatisfied and “angry” about his place on the bench, which he has to take after the return of defense chief Robin Knoche (31), who was recently injured. Accordingly, Bonucci wanted to talk to Fischer. The coach: “I spoke to Leo during the week, so the whole thing surprises me.”

On Instagram, Bonucci now spoke about “made up reports” and a “constructive” exchange with the trainer.

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Sometimes things happen quickly: Danilho Doekhi (25), who was substituted early against Naples, is reportedly at risk of an injury break. This could now be Bonucci’s chance!

The Fofana and Bonucci cases nevertheless show that Union’s ideal world, in which all players subordinate themselves to the team’s success, no longer exists. Well-known arrivals every summer brought expectations with them to Köpenick, including when it came to playing times. The unity seems to have been lost.

One thing is clear: Union is now fighting against two crises – against the sporting decline and now also against the disunity of the team.

2023-10-25 20:08:05
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