Union Berlin's midfielder Rani Khedira remains optimistic about a turnaround in their fortunes, citing a new voice in the dugout and the potential for new recruits as potential catalysts. With Union languishing at the bottom of the Bundesliga table after 13 games, Khedira sees the shake-up as an opportunity to breathe fresh air into the campaign.
The 29-year-old blames the team's current predicament on several factors. Changes in personnel and the ensuing sense of entitlement within the ranks, coupled with an inability to prepare adequately, has led to a slump in form. The previously successful side then lost their identity, with Khedira bemoaning the fragmentation of ideas and a lack of unity on the pitch.
Union Berlin's Champions League exploits the previous term appear to have taken their toll, with the players seemingly expecting to cut corners in the Bundesliga. A stark reminder that there are no shortcuts in the German top-tier led to a period of struggles. Khedira stresses that the team can't afford to miss a beat, warning that even minor imperfections could derail their chances of climbing out of the relegation zone.
The arrival of new head coach Nenad Bjelica has injected renewed energy into the squad, with Khedira reporting that training sessions are once again packed and competitive. The acquisition of extra time on the field for injured and suspended players also provides the vice-captain with a chance to rediscover his form and momentum.
Union Berlin will face Borussia Monchengladbach and 1. FC Koln in upcoming home fixtures, before meeting VfL Bochum on the road, preceding a crucial Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Khedira maintains that the season isn't over until 34 games have been played, and the team's focus remains on escaping the tangle of relegation.
In a broader context, Union Berlin's struggles have been widely debated in the German sports landscape. Although hailed for their defensive resilience after appointing new head coach Steffen Baumgart, the squad will need to rediscover their attacking prowess to mount a challenge for survival.
Box of Enrichment
Union Berlin's current season has been far from smooth sailing. Though they have managed to secure crucial wins, like the 4-0 rout of Hoffenheim, and showcase promising performances, like Benedict Hollerbach's first brace in the Bundesliga, there have also been drawbacks. These include both Steffen Baumgart's rapid appointment as head coach and the subsequent slump in form, which has left the squad with mixed results.
The arrival of new signings like Andrej Ilic and Marin Ljubicic has helped rejuvenate the squad, with Ljubicic contributing to their victory against Hoffenheim with a goal and an assist. With a new coach and fresh additions to the team, the Bundesliga's perennial underdogs will aim to flip their fortunes around as the season progresses.
