Union adopts Baumgärt's signature handwriting - Commence at Union with the script unique to Baumgart
1. FC Union Berlin is gearing up for the upcoming Bundesliga season under the guidance of new coach Steffen Baumgart. The team is currently conducting fitness tests and preparing for their first test match against Brandenburger SC Süd 05 on Saturday at 3:30 PM.
2. Baumgart, who took charge in January 2025, is expected to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system he has consistently used throughout his managerial career. This tactical setup emphasises a strong defensive organisation, dynamic attacking midfield, and physicality and work rate, traits Union Berlin has traditionally demonstrated.
3. In light of the departure of top scorer Benedict Hollerbach, the team is focusing on younger players such as Oluwaseun Ogbemudia (18), Andrik Markgraf (19), Yannic Stein (20), David Preu (20), Livan Burcu (20), Ilyas Ansah (20), Tom Rothe (20), and Aljoscha Kemlein (20).
4. Key defensive hope for the team, Leopold Querfeld (21), is also expected to play a significant role.
5. Union Berlin will undergo a medical check at the Charité before the season starts, a standard procedure since the team's promotion in 2019.
6. Oliver Burke, who joined from Werder Bremen, is expected to fill a significant role due to his physicality fitting Union's style.
7. Before the season kicks off, the team will travel to Austria for games against LASK in Linz on July 19 at 4:00 PM and Rapid Wien on July 20 at 4:00 PM.
8. The first competitive match will be the first round of the DFB-Pokal on August 15 at 6:00 PM against FC Gütersloh. The team's first Bundesliga matchday (August 23/24) will see Pokal winner VfB Stuttgart visit the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
9. Baumgart aims to tactically modify Union's collective football approach based on stability and fighting spirit, with a potential shift to a 4-man defence line.
10. The long shadow of former coach Urs Fischer has faded, leaving Baumgart with the task of determining the balance between tradition and innovation for Union in the coming weeks.
EC countries may consider implementing vocational training programs in football to develop local talent. The European leagues could benefit from a robust pipeline of young, homegrown players, emulating Union Berlin's approach of nurturing youth.
Adding sports like football to vocational training curricula in EC countries can provide practical, hands-on experience and enhance students' understanding of teamwork and strategy, skills valuable both on and off the pitch.
