Union Berlin has been unbeaten in the Bundesliga for five games. The success story should now continue even without the ex-national player Max Kruse. New signing Sven Michel could make his debut in Augsburg.
On Thursday, the spirit of Max Kruse once again floated through the stadium An der Alten Försterei. At the press conference for 1. FC Union Berlin’s away game at FC Augsburg on Saturday (3.30pm), coach Urs Fischer was asked a few questions about Kruse’s departure, having been lured to league rivals VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday with immoral offers for the player and Union.
Fischer tried not to let the issue become so big. But the Swiss artfully quenched the media representatives’ inquisitiveness. “I was surprised as well. Football is like that. It goes on. What should I dwell on things I can no longer influence. Max has decided to leave us,” Fischer said. “What’s important for us is that with Sven Michel we couldn’t get a 1:1 replacement, but at least a replacement. That is also something. From there, I focus on the guys who are there. “
Still winless in Augsburg
Although Kruse moved from fourth in the table Union to current cellar-dweller Wolfsburg and also threw away the still-present cup chance of his first national title, Fischer contradicted the thesis that in Kruse’s case money was more important than sporting success. In view of the “great offer, he could understand Kruse’s decision to join VfL a little bit,” Fischer said.
The game one after Kruse would have been a challenge even with Kruse. In Augsburg, Union have never won in two attempts each in the 1. and 2. Bundesliga. There was a 1-1 draw in the top flight in 2019/20 and a 2-1 defeat in 2020/21, with ex-Union Rafal Gikiewicz holding a Marcus Ingvartsen penalty. “I perceive Augsburg as an active team that always tries to run at and stress the opponent over 90 minutes,” Fischer said. “Their play behind the chain and via the second ball with the second wave is dangerous. They also always come down the side and look for the one on one. I expect a really tough game. “
Awoniyi before comeback
In terms of personnel, new signing Sven Michel (SC Paderborn) is set to make his debut. The attacker, who still has to get used to the automatisms in Köpenick, will probably not be in the starting eleven straight away. The attacker, who has been training with the team since Tuesday, could be substituted. Fischer is spoilt for choice in attack. Taiwo Awoniyi, who has returned from the Africa Cup, is likely to make his comeback.
Midfielder Andras Schäfer, who was recently brought in from Dunajska Streda, is not yet expected to play. The Hungarian international passed an endurance test on Thursday and can now train fully. However, the match in Augsburg will certainly come too soon for him.
Midfielder Grischa Prömel and defender Julian Ryerson will also have to miss out. Both are in domestic isolation following Corona infections. In the case of vice-captain Prömel, Fischer expressed the hope that he would be able to take the weekend off. Then Prömel might at least be able to play in the next home match on 13 February against Borussia Dortmund.