Bundesliga: Union manager praises preparation: 'As with a new wife'

Union Berlin's management has expressed confidence in the team's preparations for the new Bundesliga season despite a lack of wins in pre-season matches. Speaking during the club's training camp in Austria, chief executive Horst Heldt emphasized that maintaining league status remains the primary objective for the coming campaign. The club finished 11th and 13th in the previous two seasons, though they faced moments of relegation danger. With new coach Mauro Lustrinelli at the helm, the team aims to avoid such risks this time around. Lustrinelli, who led Swiss side FC Thun to an unexpected championship last season, has introduced a four-man defensive system instead of traditional three- or five-back formations. He is known for his perfectionism and seeks to instill a winning mentality within the squad. Heldt acknowledged that while results in pre-season games are not the main focus, the process of adapting to the new approach is critical. «We have chosen a new path deliberately. We must play different football to remain competitive,» he stated, adding that the transition would take time and involve challenges along the way. Despite six consecutive winless test matches ahead of their first official game in the DFB-Pokal against second division side Eintracht Braunschweig, Heldt remained unfazed. «Our priority is not to beat opponents in pre-season, but to establish routines and processes,» he explained. According to Heldt, Lustrinelli has already brought about positive changes, including improved passing accuracy in training sessions. «He approaches each day with enormous energy, which benefits us greatly,» Heldt remarked. The current squad still lacks completeness with only three new signings so far. However, Heldt noted that the existing players were given the opportunity to impress the coaching staff during the early stages of preparation. «It’s like being with a new partner. You get to know each other and see how you interact. Now we’re entering a more intense phase where everyone wants to be the best friend,» he said, drawing a curious analogy to describe the evolving relationship between the players and the new coach. Over the past weeks, the team has identified areas needing improvement, setting the stage for increased transfer activity in the near future. Heldt cautioned, however, that while the club has numerous opportunities, it cannot control the transfer market. «It is crucial to stay calm and patient,» he advised, highlighting the need for strategic decision-making rather than impulsive moves. The club's strategy under Lustrinelli involves not just tactical adjustments but also fostering a collective identity that aligns with the coach's vision. This includes refining technical skills and ensuring cohesion among players. Heldt reiterated that while immediate success in pre-season matches is not the goal, building a solid foundation through consistent performance and adaptability will be key to achieving long-term stability in the Bundesliga.