BERLIN (AP) — Seven straight losses in all competitions have introduced Union Berlin again to actuality after years of over-achievement.
Since clinching Bundesliga promotion for the primary time in 2019, Union had solely skilled one spotlight after one other — culminating in a outstanding fourth-place end and Champions League qualification final season.
However this season hasn’t gone so effectively.
“Within the final years we at all times wanted the phrases ‘surreal’ and ‘loopy.’ Possibly now we want the phrase ‘actuality’ for the place we’re,” Union coach Urs Fischer stated Thursday.
It might worsen earlier than it will get higher. Union subsequent hosts second-place Stuttgart within the Bundesliga on Saturday earlier than dealing with Italian champion Napoli within the Champions League on Tuesday.
Union’s first experiences in Europe’s premier competitors are bitter. Jude Bellingham scored within the fourth minute of damage time for Actual Madrid to grab a 1-0 win in Union’s debut, then Braga did likewise to win 3-2 in Union’s first house sport within the competitors.
The Bundesliga has arguably supplied extra disappointment. Leipzig produced a 3-0 victory to finish Union’s club-record 24-game unbeaten run at house in early September and the workforce has misplaced each sport since.
“We now have to stay optimistic,” Fischer stated, noting that the workforce has additionally carried out effectively regardless of the undesirable outcomes. “We now have to make fewer particular person errors and be extra secure. The 2 points are linked in some way.”
Accidents to midfielder Rani Khedira and defender Robin Knoche haven’t helped, however Fischer stated they may return on Saturday. Croatia defender Josip Juranovic returned injured from worldwide responsibility and can miss the sport towards Stuttgart.
“It would not assist us, however now we have to just accept it,” Fischer stated.
Union’s previously dependable protection is conceding objectives that it did not enable final season. Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci has had an unlucky begin since he joined from Juventus within the offseason.
In assault, too, Union just isn’t as efficient because it was final season. Kevin Behrens, who made his Germany debut towards Mexico on Tuesday, netted 4 objectives in Union’s first two Bundesliga video games however hasn’t scored since.
Union’s different six objectives within the league had been scored by defenders — together with 4 from Germany left again Robin Gosens.
Gosens was taken off early with a thigh drawback throughout Germany’s 2-2 draw with Mexico and will miss Saturday’s sport towards Stuttgart.
Each Gosens and Bonucci might want to enhance on the again if Union is to cease Stuttgart ahead Serhou Guirassy from including to his 13 objectives in seven league matches up to now.
Guirassy’s objectives have helped Stuttgart — which struggled final season — win its final 5 video games. Stuttgart has by no means crushed Union within the Bundesliga earlier than.
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