Union Berlin Faces Defensive Problems Ahead of DFB-Pokal Match – Lustrinelli Sees a Maturation Process

"Das Spiel war ein Entwicklungstest. Es gibt Momente, in denen wir es sehr gut machen, die Abstände stimmen und das Konzept funktioniert. Wir schaffen es aber noch nicht, über 90 Minuten unser Spiel auf den Platz zu bringen.", said the Union coach. In doing so, he simultaneously named the central area of concern: phases of stable defense alternate with phases in which the Köpenick side loses control and order.

Defense as the Central Area of Concern

The context for the preparation is the imminent start of competitive play. One week after the friendly against Ipswich Town, Union Berlin faces the first round of the DFB-Pokal, in which the team from Köpenick will take on a lower-division opponent. The personnel situation is not entirely clear. Defender Josip Juranovic, who had missed training in recent weeks due to muscular complaints, returned against Ipswich and completed parts of the fitness tests.

Zeno van den Bosch, who in the past season had not gone beyond appearances in competitive matches, also received playing time against the English side. This intensifies the competition for places in the back four, which is already regarded as the biggest question of the preseason. The vacancy at the right-back position continues to be seen within the club as unresolved.

Personnel Shortages and Competition for Places

Lustrinelli assesses the situation soberly. While he acknowledged that the coordination over the full match duration is not yet right, he simultaneously emphasized the positive phases in which the pressing worked and the team gained a grip on the opponent. The task for the remaining training days, the coach says, is to extend the stability of the good phases and minimize the lapses in defense.

At the Bundesliga level, those responsible assume that the structural problems in defense can only be resolved through continuous work. A quick fix through individual tactical adjustments is not expected from the coaching staff. Instead, they are counting on playing time and competitive hardness to cement the automatisms in the back four.

With an eye on the cup, the line of approach is regarded as clearly defined. Despite the externally perceived defensive problems, it is stressed in the team's surroundings that the tension before the first competitive match is normal. A defeat or elimination in the first Pokal round, however, would significantly intensify the discussion about the defense.

Cup Opener Under Scrutiny

Alongside the sporting questions, the final squad planning is underway. If no viable formation in defense emerges by the cup match, short-term reactions may become necessary. Lustrinelli did not comment on this specifically, but referred to the upcoming training sessions as the basis for the decision.

The schedule gives the Berliners only a narrow week. After the friendly against Ipswich Town, several sessions are on the agenda in the coming days in which the defense is to be drilled. Whether this will be enough to remedy the coordination problems that have recently become visible will be shown by the first competitive minutes.

In the club's more recent history, Union Berlin has impressed above all through defensive compactness and team unity. The fans' expectations tie into this identity, which is why the current defensive weaknesses are being followed with particular attention. Lustrinelli appears to be aware of this expectation but continues to present himself publicly as calm and confident.

With the press conference ahead of the cup match in the coming days, the defensive setup is likely to become more concrete. Until then, the coach's assessment remains valid: Union Berlin is in a maturation process, the result of which will have to be measured by competitive play.