New hire announced as coach Baumgart's deputy coach
**New Assistant Coach Joins Union Berlin Ahead of Pre-Season Training**
1. FC Union Berlin has bolstered its coaching staff with the arrival of Danilo de Souza, who will join the club as an assistant coach from July 2025 [1][2]. The 41-year-old Brazilian brings extensive expertise and international experience to the role, having worked in the Premier League for Leeds United and various German clubs in the East Westphalia region.
De Souza's coaching career in Germany began in 2017, where he served as an assistant coach for SC Paderborn, VfL Osnabrück, and Arminia Bielefeld [1]. Notably, he worked alongside Union Berlin's head coach, Steffen Baumgart, at SC Paderborn until 2021, forming a longstanding partnership that is expected to prove valuable.
**Preparing for the Upcoming Season**
Union Berlin will embark on a training camp in Herzogenaurach from July 23 to August 1, with de Souza joining the team during this period [3]. The new assistant coach will immediately begin working alongside Baumgart and the rest of the squad, as they prepare for the new season.
The team's first test match is scheduled for Saturday, August 1 at 3:15 PM against Brandenburg SC Süd 05. The first Bundesliga matchday (August 23/24) will see cup winners VfB Stuttgart visit the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. However, the first competitive match for Union Berlin will be the first round of the DFB-Pokal on August 15 at 6:00 PM, against FC Gütersloh (Sky) [4].
Before departing for Austria, Union Berlin will play matches against LASK in Linz on July 19 at 4:00 PM and Rapid Wien on July 20 at 4:00 PM [5].
**A Strong Social Component**
Aside from his technical prowess, Horst Heldt, the professional football manager of 1. FC Union Berlin, has highlighted de Souza's strong social component. He seeks closeness with the players and takes responsibility within the coaching team, making him an ideal addition to the squad [6].
**A Positive Influence**
Danilo de Souza's background of coaching in Germany for several years and his close association with Baumgart suggest he brings continuity and a trusted partnership to Union Berlin’s coaching staff. His experience working across multiple teams and leagues, as well as internationally in England, positions him to influence tactical preparation and player development positively [7].
In summary, Danilo de Souza’s coaching journey from Brazil to Germany, coupled with his proven collaboration with head coach Steffen Baumgart and recent international experience, is likely to strengthen Union Berlin’s coaching team and positively affect their tactical and team dynamics going forward.
Danilo de Souza's coaching career extension in Europe includes Notably, he worked alongside Union Berlin's head coach, Steffen Baumgart, at SC Paderborn until 2021, and his expertise extends to various European-leagues, having worked in England's Premier League for Leeds United.
With Danilo de Souza joining the staff, he will bring his international experience from working in European-leagues, including the Premier League, to Union Berlin and contribute to their future success in football, especially in European-leagues.
