The day after the 0:1 in Fürth, Niko Gießelmann did not want to talk about an embarrassment. However, the defender also admitted that Union had problems against deep-lying teams.
Niko Gießelmann was still annoyed on Monday about Sunday’s point loss in the match at SpVgg Greuther Fürth. The 0:1 defeat at his former club was avoidable, the defender explained in a digital media session.
For bottom-placed Fürth, it was the first win in a ghost match this season and the historic first ever home victory in the top flight at the 24th attempt. While the sound of honking cars could be heard at the Ronhof shortly after the final whistle, the alarm bells were not ringing at Union. “I don’t think it was an embarrassment,” said Gießelmann. His team did not allow much. Union also had chances to turn the game around.
But as in the three previous away games at Eintracht Frankfurt (1:2), at 1. FC Köln (2:2) and at VfB Stuttgart (1:1), Union dropped points against teams lower in the table. Away from home, the Eisernen are currently a points supplier.
A negative trend is confirmed
There was also a parallel to the Europa Conference League match against Slavia Prague (1:1) on Thursday. Union again showed a weak playful performance. Physically, the team is there, but mentally, after several English weeks, the forces seem to be dwindling at the end of the year.
Gießelmann admitted that Union had problems making the game against deep-standing Fürth. Things could be different on Wednesday (8.30pm) in the home game against SC Freiburg. “Freiburg suits us more, Freiburg wants to play,” Gießelmann exulted. Unlike the ghost game in Fürth, 5000 fans will be allowed to attend the match at the stadium An der Alten Försterei. “They’ll be enough to create a real atmosphere,” said Gießelmann.
Bid from Glasgow?
This season has been going very well for the prolific winger (three goals this season). In his second year at Union, he is a regular. Recently, he was even linked with Celtic Glasgow. Gießelmann’s contract expires in the summer.
Gießelmann has heard about the speculation with Celtic, but the 30-year-old could not or would not substantiate it. “I want to play at a high level for as long as possible. The Bundesliga is one of the top leagues,” said Gießelmann. At the moment, the Bundesliga with Union is the best thing for him.
