After twelve defeats in a row, a smile flitted across the faces of the Union Berlin players on Wednesday evening. The Berliners showed the virtues they had been missing recently against Napoli and are hoping for an upward trend after the 1:1 draw
The Champions League match on Wednesday evening was not quite enough redemption for Union Berlin. But a 1-1 draw at Italian champions SSC Napoli after twelve defeats in a row is something the shaken Köpenickers can build on – and captain Christopher Trimmel is convinced of that.
“A lot” can be taken away from this game on the fourth matchday of the premier class, which meant an early exit from Europe’s biggest stage despite the points gained. Which was of course of secondary importance after the game
Defensive and offensive improvement
“We did an outstanding job in defense today. One was there for the other,” said a delighted Trimmel on “DAZN” after the match. “We fought for 90 minutes. It was very open at times, but on both sides – and that’s the nice thing. We also had enough chances to score. That feels very good. “
In recent years, Union Berlin have stood for defensive stability as well as ice-coldness in front of goal after transitional actions. The team has increasingly lost both in recent weeks – and returned against Napoli. Rani Khedira therefore spoke of a “consistent” performance after the game – “except for one action where we were a bit quick and pinball-like in the penalty area – at 1-0, we weren’t consistent, a bit passive,” said the midfielder, who revealed: “We also looked at that scene at half-time. And I think we were very consistent over 90 minutes – even in the opposition penalty area.”
Not a matter of course, as Trimmel knows. “The longer such a negative streak lasts, the more your self-confidence dwindles. You could see that, you could feel it,” said the 36-year-old, giving an insight into the team’s feelings. “We talked to each other a lot. We also tried to push each other off the pitch. I think you could see today that that’s back.”
“Hopefully that can give us energy for the next few weeks,” said Trimmel with cautious optimism, “but of course I know soccer well enough. We now have to keep working hard so that we can pick up again in the league”.
After all, the Bundesliga continues this weekend, where the team has slipped to the relegation places after ten matchdays and eight defeats in a row – and now has the mammoth task of facing the still unbeaten Leverkusen on Saturday afternoon.
