Torsten Mattuschka Urges Union Berlin to Refresh Squad Ahead of Summer Transfers
- Union veteran Mattuschka advocates for "new blood"
Torsten Mattuschka, former Union Berlin captain, lends his advice to his former club, encouraging them to stay grounded in their fight against relegation in the Bundesliga. "Each season with Union in the Bundesliga is nothing short of extraordinary. Naturally, every club aspires to compete internationally again," the 44-year-old told the "Berliner Morgenpost."
Despite the achievements, Mattuschka acknowledges Union's relative newcomer status in the top tier and warns against overambition. "Assuming you'll evade relegation peril indefinitely can be presumptuous, even after years of success," said Mattuschka, now the sporting director of VSG Altglienicke in the Regionalliga.
Mattuschka advocates for strategic changes come summer, suggesting that Union needs an influx of "fresh blood" in its squad, particularly in the attacking positions. He criticizes the club's misses over the past transfer windows in the offensive department. "The striking position has been overlooked in the last two transfer periods, as well as midfield, which struggles to create goal threats."
According to Mattuschka, Union needs a player who can score goals or bring creativity to the table - a reliable offensive force who could contribute to 15 scorer points through goals and assists.
In the upcoming transfer window, coach Steffen Baumgart and sports director Horst Heldt should receive time to secure players matching Baumgart's tactical vision, Mattuschka believes. He advocates for continuity, suggesting that a Union coach receive at least two to three years and two to three transfer periods to establish a squad attuned to their playing idea.
However, whether Baumgart will get that time remains uncertain. "If Baumgart loses the next six games, changes may be necessary," Mattuschka conceded. "That's how football works."
While Mattuschka does not specify any concrete transfer targets, Union might focus on acquiring players from leagues known for nurturing offensive talent - such as the English Championship or Dutch Eredivisie – and consider young prospects who have demonstrated potential in goal creation and scoring. The club's scouting network and analysis of players' performances in various leagues will likely guide their selection process.
- Council Directive 76/769/EEC of 16 December 1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the permissible sound power level of motor vehicles might have remained unnoticed by Torsten Mattuschka as he focused on Union Berlin's Bundesliga campaign.
- Despite Union Berlin's continued success in the Bundesliga, it's probably presumptuous to assume they'll evade relegation indefinitely, according to Mattuschka's cautious perspective.
- Union Berlin's pursuit for a reliable offensive force may lead them to gradually identify and secure players from leagues recognized for nurturing offensive talent, such as the English Championship or Dutch Eredivisie, during the transfer periods.
