Union Berlin sees itself prepared for the derby against Hertha BSC, both in sporting and 2G terms. What is worrying isPaul Jaeckel The defender felt sickly on Thursday.
1. FC Union have been ahead of Hertha BSC for 13 months on a season-long basis. The rivals from Charlottenburg nevertheless travel to the derby on Saturday as reigning city champions, because Hertha have done better in the direct duels of the 2020/21 season. Hertha won 3:1 at the Olympiastadion and 1:1 at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
Now Union could improve their generally poor derby record in the top flight (one win, one draw and two defeats) “When it comes to the balance, it doesn’t look so good at the moment. But not bad either, “ said coach Urs Fischer. “We have another opportunity on Saturday to change something in the balance or the statistics. “
Verbal poison darts did not fly between the east and west sides this week. Both clubs are trying hard not to offend the other. There used to be more tinsel, one might think.
The Hertha advertising campaign, which in the week before the match covered 300 areas in the city with a flag in the club’s blue and white colours, at least caused a few pinpricks. However, the one right next to the entrance to the Alte Försterei was only visible for a few hours on Monday before it was removed again for safety’s sake. So the peace of mind and the advertising board at the epicentre of the Eisernen remained intact.
Fischer, meanwhile, was able to prepare his team for the match in peace. “The boys made a very good impression during the week. That shows they are ready for the task. We need a special performance to win the derby,” Fischer explained.
Full stadium, but Jaeckel ill
Personelly, Union has almost all the regular candidates on deck, if you disregard attacker Kevin Behrens. The summer signing from SV Sandhausen is in quarantine following his Corona illness. Paul Jaeckel is also threatened with retirement. The defender was unable to train on Thursday due to his sick condition. To be on the safe side, he was also tested for Corona. The result was not yet available.
Despite the tense pandemic situation, the stadium An der Alten Försterei will be sold out again for the first time since the first lockdown in March 2020 with 22,012 visitors – under 2G conditions.
This will be a big challenge for the club, even though the Ultras of both camps do not want to appear organised. Union asks all supporters to come early. 2G control wristbands can already be obtained by supporters since today, Thursday, upon presentation of the appropriate proof in the Union fan shops.