Union Berlin part ways with head coach Urs Fischer
Union Berlin have parted company with head coach Urs Fischer.
It comes after a disappointing run for the Bundesliga side, losing 13 of their last 14 matches.
Fischer took the reins at Union Berlin in the summer of 2018 and guided them to Bundesliga promotion in his first attempt. He eventually led them to the Conference League, Europa League and Champions League in back-to-back campaigns between 2020 and 2023.
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After finishing fourth in Germany’s top flight last season, Fischer also won manager of the year earlier in August.
The club said in a statement that “president Dirk Zingler and Urs Fischer made this joint decision in a personal conversation on Monday afternoon”.
Fischer said: “The last few weeks have taken a lot of energy. We tried a lot, the team put in a lot, but it didn’t pay off in results. I am very grateful for the trust that I have always felt here. Nevertheless, it feels right when a change happens now: sometimes a different face, a different way of addressing a team helps to trigger development.
“With Union, I got to know and appreciate an extraordinary club. My thanks go to the players I was able to work with during this time, Markus Hoffmann (assistant) and my team, those responsible and the club’s employees as well as the fans. It is very fortunate to have experienced this extremely positive type of support. I wish Union only the best and am convinced that they will succeed in staying in the league.”
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Zingler added: “I only recently made it clear that Urs Fischer is an excellent coach, and I continue to be absolutely convinced of that. His personality and his successful work have shaped our club in recent years and opened up many new opportunities for us.
“During these five and a half years of our collaboration, respect and trust developed between us, on the basis of which we were able to exchange ideas openly and honestly at any time. Together we have now come to the conclusion that now is the time to take a different path.
“For me personally and certainly for the entire Union family, this is a very sad moment. It hurts that we haven’t been able to break the negative trend of the last few weeks. Looking back on the time we spent together and the successes we celebrated together, I am grateful and proud. As painful as this separation is, Urs Fischer leaves as a friend who will be welcomed by us with open arms at all times.”
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Union Berlin have also confirmed that assistant coach Markus Hoffmann will depart, while under-19s coach Marco Grote will take charge on an interim basis. He will be supported by Marie-Louise Eta.
Union Berlin are currently bottom of the Bundesliga and next face Augsburg on November 25.
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(Photo: Luciano Lima/Getty Images)
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