Union could consolidate their place at the top of the table in the away game in Mönchengladbach. The cup win at Hertha should give them a tailwind in the process.
At 2:52 p.m., the team bus of 1. FC Union Berlin left the stadium An der Alten Försterei for the airport. Four fans and a dog – all wearing Union outfits – bid farewell to the players with encouraging gestures ahead of Saturday’s (3.30pm) away match at Borussia Mönchengladbach.
After Wednesday’s wildly acclaimed derby win at Hertha BSC (3-2) in the DFB Cup round of 16, Union travelled to North Rhine-Westphalia with plenty of tailwind anyway. “I hope we can take advantage of the self-confidence. Wins help you. It was really a special game, the first derby in the cup. And then we won that away from home,” said coach Urs Fischer. “We solved this difficult task with bravura. You have to take that with you, but also put it in perspective. You can’t get comfortable. That is the challenge for all of us. It is important to remain humble. “
Union is unbeaten in the Bundesliga for four games. Gladbach, on the other hand, are currently experiencing a tangible crisis. Wednesday’s cup defeat at second division side Hannover 96 (0:3) was another low point. However, Union has never won in Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga (1:4, 1:1).
Fischer wants to deal with Gladbach’s quality, not their crisis
Fischer also did everything he could to raise his team’s awareness. “Mönchengladbach are not in an easy situation. It’s important that we don’t concern ourselves with Gladbach’s situation, but with their quality. That is undoubtedly there. We want to confirm our last performances and get back to the limit,” explained Fischer.
Rotation: Chance for Jaeckel and Trimmel – Comeback Gießelmann?
The Swiss announced his intention to rotate. Paul Jaeckel could come into play in central defence. Timo Baumgartl or Dominique Heintz would then have to make way for him. On the right wing, captain Christopher Trimmel might be in demand instead of Julian Ryerson.
On the left wing, it smells like a comeback for Niko Gießelmann, who has recovered from his thigh injury, even if veteran Bastian Oczipka did a very good job for 90 minutes in the league against TSG Hoffenheim (2-1) and in the Cup against Hertha.
Kruse and Voglsammer seem to be set
In midfield, Genki Haraguchi could come on for Levin Öztunali. It will be exciting up front. There are actually few reasons to bench Max Kruse and Andreas Voglsammer at the moment. Kruse has the extra ideas for the offensive game, Voglsammer scored against Hoffenheim as well as in the city derby. Sheraldo Becker, however, is also digging in his heels. Kevin Behrens was missing a few percentage points after a covid illness. He is fighting his way back into it.
Newcomer Schäfer still needs time – “Must get completely healthy “
Midfield signing Andras Schäfer (Dunajska Streda) is not yet eligible for action in the quick reunion with ex-Union Marvin Friedrich. The Hungarian brought back a slight injury from the preparation in Slovakia. He began his rehabilitation programme in Köpenick on Friday. “We have two weeks in the break between matches. It is important that he gets completely healthy again now so that he can then join the team training,” said Fischer. Schäfer is also not yet an option for the test match on Wednesday (4 p.m.) against second-division side Erzgebirge Aue.
Can the transfer candidates van Drongelen and Wszolek audition?
Perhaps defender Rick van Drongelen and midfielder Pawel Wszolek can gain some match practice in this game. The permanent reserves were able to resume training on Thursday and Friday respectively after overcoming Corona illnesses. Both players are considered hot transfer candidates. The hoped-for loan of Rick von Drongelen has not yet materialised, presumably also due to his illness. Matthias Koch
