Two days after coach Nenad Bjelica was released, Union Berlin began preparations for the relegation duel in the Bundesliga. The new coaching trio Marco Grote, Marie-Louise Eta and Sebastian Bönig were able to prepare all the professionals for the first time on Wednesday for the groundbreaking game of the 33rd matchday on Saturday at 1. FC Köln (3.30 p.m./Sky). The Berliners could, at best, secure relegation with a win in the cathedral city.
In front of almost 100 fans and numerous club employees, including Union President Dirk Zingler and manager Oliver Ruhnert, substitute goalkeeper Jakob Busk was back on the pitch for the first time after his calf injury. With coordination exercises and playful forms, the coaching trio wanted to create a good atmosphere on the pitch for the professionals, who were able to enjoy a day off on Tuesday. After a good 26 minutes, the gates were closed so that the rest of the training session, which lasted around 75 minutes, continued behind closed doors.
After 32 match days, Union is in 15th place in the table with 30 points, one point ahead of FSV Mainz 05, which occupies the relegation place. Cologne, in 17th place with currently 24 points, could shorten the gap to three points before the last matchday with their own success over Union. The current difference of five goals could also be reduced. Mainz welcomes Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund three hours later.