After a poor start: Union Berlin and the quest for former strength | OneFootball

Union Berlin got off to a promising start to the new season. After a 4-2 DFB Cup victory over second-division side Eintracht Braunschweig, they mounted an impressive comeback in their first Bundesliga match. Die Eisernen took an early lead in the home match against Eintracht Frankfurt but found themselves trailing 3-1 shortly after the break. After a strong finish including Tim Skarke’s last-minute goal, Union salvaged a point. But the 3-3 draw did not provide the hoped-for momentum for the following matches.

Defeats to Leverkusen and Schalke

Defeats to Bayer Leverkusen and FC Schalke followed. Union were without a chance in the 4-0 defeat at Leverkusen, taking no shots on target and allowing ten. The Berliners then lost to promoted side Schalke at the Alte Försterei last Friday. After falling 2-0 behind, Skarke pulled one back in added time but they went on to lose 3-1. Union are therefore in 16th place with just one point and a goal difference of 4-10 after three matchdays: the worst start to a Bundesliga campaign in the club’s history.

New head coach Lustrinelli searching for defensive stability

Mauro Lustrinelli took over as Union head coach this summer. The former striker previously coached FC Thun and led the promoted side to a sensational Swiss championship title last season, but Lustrinelli is still looking for stability with Union.

The defence, which has been such a strength for Union in previous years, is particulaly causing them concern at the moment. After the departures of Danilho Doekhi and Diogo Leite (both to Lazio), Union’s back line has been too shaky recently, conceding 12 goals in four competitive matches. A different centre-back pairing has started in each of the three league matches so far. Up front, the absence of Andrej Ilić is particularly painful following Ilyas Ansah’s move to Hull City – however, the forward might return to the squad against FC Bayern.

The men from the capital are aiming to get their defensive problems unter control and make life hard for Munich with their usual compactness, paired with quick transitions and strength at set pieces (two goals from corners this season). The key for Bayern will be to capitalise on their chances with higher efficiency in order to go into the Oktoberfest season and the upcoming international break with a win.

FCB have never lost in 14 Bundesliga encounters with Union:

Bayern's special record run against Union Berlin