When Nenad Bjelica made his debut, Union Berlin couldn’t get past a 1-1 draw in Braga – despite having the majority. And now it’s off to Bayern. Not an easy time for the new coach.
Nenad Bjelica knew exactly what was wrong. The new coach of 1. FC Union Berlin didn’t try to talk about tactics or anything else after his disappointing 1-1 debut at SC Braga. “With our lack of self-confidence, it doesn’t really matter which system you play,” he said, downplaying his switch to a back four. “There is a certain fear in the players’ heads and legs. We will talk positively to the team.”
The 52-year-old Croatian tried a positive approach late on Wednesday evening in northern Portugal. After the red card against Braga’s Sikou Niakaté (31st minute), Union played in the majority for over half. Nevertheless, Braga was the better team for long stretches and got a deserved equalizer through Álvaro Djaló (52nd). Robin Gosens (42nd) had previously given Union the lead.
In the last Champions League group game against Real Madrid, Union now only has a small chance of overwintering in the Europa League. “Of course we are now dependent on other results. If we had won, we would have had it in our own hands,” analyzed Bjelica. And things won’t get any easier for the successor to long-time successful coach Urs Fischer in the Bundesliga.
On Saturday we’re heading to FC Bayern, of all places. His team had “problems with the ball” and “we don’t dare to play passes with risk,” said Bjelica about his team’s lack of self-confidence. The Köpenickers have been waiting for a sense of success for 16 competitive games. Will that change at Bayern?
Source: Stern
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