Frankfurt is not the easiest opponent for Union Berlin. Most of the time, the Hessians kept the upper hand. But on Sunday, the Eurofighters, who were successful in Israel, also wanted to score again in the Bundesliga.
This Saturday, the players of 1. FC Union Berlin were able to relax a bit. They were allowed to have breakfast until 11 a.m. in the Frankfurt exile, where the Köpenickers had already arrived from Israel on Thursday evening.
For Max Kruse, sleeping in doesn’t start until after 1 p.m., but the attacker must have enjoyed the extra time. Two days after the 1-0 win over Maccabi Haifa in the Europa Conference League group stage, the 21-man squad had a mixture of player substitution training and regeneration on the agenda.
Sunday Bundesliga games after European Cup appearances on Thursday are now almost an everyday occurrence for the Eisernen. “You can get used to the rhythm. You internalise certain procedures. We’ve learned from the examples before, “ said coach Urs Fischer in a virtual media session on Saturday afternoon.
Bad record against Frankfurt
With a win in Frankfurt, Union could jump to a Champions League spot in certain constellations. However, Eintracht does not really suit FCU. From eleven competitive matches against Frankfurt, Union won only once – with 2:1 in Frankfurt in the 2019/20 season. “Frankfurt had positive results recently. They are doing very well at the moment. They look very compact to me at the moment. I like their switching game. It will be a difficult task,” Fischer said. The Swiss warned in particular against attacking player Filip Kostic.
In terms of personnel, Union can once again draw almost from the full complement. There are no further absences. Goalkeeper Andreas Luthe, who did not feel well in Haifa and was officially not in the squad, and defender Julian Ryerson, who was replaced in Israel shortly before the end with thigh problems, are also available for Frankfurt. With captain Christopher Trimmel and attacker Cedric Teuchert, there are even fresh alternatives. The duo had to serve suspensions in Haifa.
Kevin Behrens is not yet available in Frankfurt. But the striker is at least back in the starting blocks and in individual training after overcoming his Corona illness. The quarantine is over. Behrens was able to take time off. In the coming week, the 30-year-old is expected to cautiously return to team training.
