Is the Fischer's departure from Union truly beneficial?
In the 2023-24 season, 1. FC Union Berlin faced a period of change following the departure of their highly successful head coach, Urs Fischer, in November 2023. Fischer had led the club to promotion to the Bundesliga in their first year and, remarkably, to the Champions League for the first time in their history[1]. However, a string of nine consecutive league defeats and a drop to 18th place in the table led to Fischer's departure[1].
Following Fischer's exit, the club experienced notable managerial instability and squad changes. Nenad Bjelica, who succeeded Fischer, was sacked in May 2024, and his successor, Bo Svensson, also lasted only a few months[1]. Key changes included the January 2024 transfers of Sheraldo Becker and Kevin Behrens leaving the club, paving the way for the rise of young striker Hollerbach, who became a regular starter after a promising 14-goal season in 2022-23[1].
By mid-2025, reports indicate that Union Berlin was actively seeking to rebuild and strengthen their squad, showing interest in players like striker Davie Selke from Hamburger SV and aiming to retain key talents such as Serbian striker Andrej Ilic[2]. This suggests a strategic approach to maintain competitive standards in the Bundesliga despite previous managerial changes[1][2].
Urs Fischer, who is officially on the market, has received offers, including lucrative ones from the Arab region, but he wants to fully identify with his new task before accepting any offer[2]. His unique success with Union has elevated him to the big football stage, and there is speculation about a potential reunion with Union Berlin[2].
The 3-5-2 formation that Fischer introduced at Union Berlin is still in use at the club, with current coach Steffen Baumgart adopting it in the spirit of success[1]. The long-term Fischer success is a heavy inheritance for Union Berlin both sportingly and in terms of expectation[2]. Union President Dirk Zingler stated that the separation was not due to resignation or dismissal, but a mutual decision[1]. Fischer joined 1. FC Union Berlin in 2018 as a second division team, and his departure marked a significant turning point in the club's history[1].
As Union Berlin continues to navigate the challenges of top-level competition, the impact of Urs Fischer's tenure remains a significant part of the club's identity and ambition. The club's journey serves as a testament to the power of strong leadership and the resilience of a team committed to success.
[1] Union Berlin's official website [2] Various sports news outlets
Union Berlin's search for a stable manager continues, with Urs Fischer, who left the club in November 2023, attracting offers. Despite interest from foreign leagues, Fischer is considering his new task thoroughly before making a decision about his next move, hinting at a potential return to Union Berlin.
In the wake of Fischer's departure and the subsequent managerial instability, the club has shown a strategic approach to rebuild and strengthen their squad, with interest in players like Davie Selke and plans to retain key talents such as Andrej Ilic. The 3-5-2 formation that Fischer introduced remains in use at Union Berlin, reflecting the long-term influence of his tenure.
