Last exit Bochum. Before the Christmas break, Union Berlin wants to score at VfL. But for that to happen, former Köpenick goal scorer Sebastian Polter must be stopped.
Lucky: Max Kruse is not yet on his honeymoon. The attacker will therefore be available for 1. FC Union Berlin in the away match at VfL Bochum tomorrow (3.30 pm). Due to his wedding on Thursday, Kruse was “only” absent from training one day after the 0:0 against SC Freiburg.
However, the fact that the wedding ceremony with his partner Dilara took place in an English week between the last two games of the year is unusual. But at the family-oriented Kiez club Union, that is also possible. Coach Urs Fischer probably turned a blind eye, because in Corona times, appointments at registry offices are rather rare.
Especially when they were arranged at short notice, as in the case of the Kruse family. Kruse had only proposed via TV during the Olympic Games in Japan in the summer. “When it comes to family matters, we always decide in favour of the players. That’s what we keep. You don’t just call and 14 days later you have an appointment, “ said Fischer. “That also takes a bit of preparation. That’s how it turned out. Nevertheless, we thought it was right that it could take place. If I had said ‘no’, the headlines would have been bigger. “
Friedrich is available
The newlywed Kruse should in any case be highly motivated to garnish the new phase of his life with a goal. The return to Castroper Straße for the first time since his departure in 2016 is also something special for ex-Bochum player Andreas Luthe. After four away games without a treble in a row, 2021 should end with a sense of achievement for all Union players. All regular contenders are available, including defender Marvin Friedrich, who has been missing recently due to an infection.
The capital city side will not underestimate Bochum, who have only suffered one home defeat. “They have 20 points. I think you can pay them a compliment there. Bochum took seven points in their last three home games. That will be a difficult task for us “, said Fischer. “We have to get everything out of the tank once again. We have to go to the limit again, if not beyond the limit, to take points home. “
Reunion with Polter
A good old acquaintance will certainly want to prevent that. For the first time since Sebastian Polter left Union in the summer of 2020, there will be a reunion with the former FCU promotion and derby hero.
Polter is currently very successful with six goals. “Sebastian has done well, especially in the last few games. He can tie balls up and keeps the chain busy. When he comes towards the goal, he has a force and dynamism. We have to defend that,” Fischer explained. Around 400 Union fans will be on hand in Bochum.
