Union Berlin's Manager, Steffen Baumgart, once more confronts the dilemma of organizational structure
In a tactical shift, new coach Steffen Baumgart has reverted to a back three system at 1. FC Union Berlin after initially trying a back four. This decision was likely influenced by several factors, including the status of key defenders and the club's early performance under the new formation.
Baumgart's decision to revert to the back three system came a few weeks into his tenure at Union Berlin. Key defenders like Diogo Leite, who has been benched due to a transfer situation, might have impacted Union's defensive options. The club also reinforced its squad with new defensive options, such as Derrick Köhn, who offers assertiveness going forward but was not immediately in the starting lineup.
The switch to a back three may also reflect Baumgart's assessment during preseason and early matches that this formation suits Union's defensive stability and attacking transitions better than a back four. This is a common tactical adaptation when coaches encounter challenges with defensive cohesion or want to maximize player strengths, especially when key defenders are uncertain or rotating.
The back three system had served Union Berlin well in previous successful years, taking the club as far as the Champions League. After a disappointing 0:2 home defeat against FC Augsburg with the back four system, the decision was made to revert to the back three. This change could signal a shift in tactical approach by Baumgart at Union Berlin.
In his first competitive game, Kevin Vogt, a seasoned veteran and undisputed defensive leader, was benched. The experiment with the back four system in Baumgart's first competitive game was not successful. Baumgart's return to the back three system appears to be a tactical adjustment responding to player availability, squad characteristics, and performance considerations during the 2025/26 preseason and early competitive fixtures at Union Berlin.
Sources: [1] "Steffen Baumgart reverted to a back three system at 1. FC Union Berlin." BBC Sport, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59854312 [2] "Union Berlin's switch to a back three system explained." Sky Sports, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/12141983/union-berlins-switch-to-a-back-three-system-explained
