Union Berlin starts the season with fresh trainer Steffen Baumgart!

Union Berlin starts the season with fresh trainer Steffen Baumgart!

Berlin, Deutschland - The 1. FC Union Berlin started the new season with around 850 fans on July 9, 2025. The team faces a crucial phase: Steffen Baumgart, the new head coach, has taken over the scepter and emphasized that it was time to focus on relegation in the Bundesliga. In a media round, Baumgart said positively about the constitution of his squad: all players are healthy, apart from one or two afterlockers. So Robert Skov was able to take part in the training, while Joschua Kemlein, who recovered from an injury, is gradually integrated into training.

Baumgart, who previously worked at Hamburger SV, took responsibility after the dismissal of Bo Svensson, whose era ended after nine without a win without a win. Sports director Horst Heldt emphasized the need for a clear change to achieve a trend reversal. Alexander Bönig and Adrian Wittmann return to the coaching team, together with the assistant coaches René Wagner and Kevin McKenna as well as goalkeeper coach Michael Gspurning.

The philosophy of the new trainer

In his first media round, Baumgart emphasized that he was less concerned with the exact game philosophy, but rather about success. The tactical orientation for the season remains open, but he wants to give his team the freedom to successfully play football, regardless of the formation. "I want victory," says Baumgart, who also does not neglect the competition from traditional clubs in the Bundesliga. Here he emphasized the importance of being vigilant from the start.

Despite the uncertainties regarding the size of the squad and the current player development, Baumgart is optimistic. He particularly hopes for striker Andrej Ilic a positive achievement, who scored seven goals in twelve games last season. Baumgart is a trained Unioner and many fans consider him a desired solution. He is happy to be back in the Bundesliga and strives for a sustainable integration of the club into the league.

A look at the challenges

The return of a trainer to the team can often result in motivating effects, also known as the "honeymoon effect". Sports psychologist René Paasch, who has dealt with the topic, explains that the motivation and performance of the players often increase under a new trainer. "Success depends on the person, the team and the club," said Paasch. In view of the previously weaknesses in Union, which are reminiscent of the past few months, a successful change of coaches is also a challenge.

The acceptance of Baumgart and his philosophy among the players will be decisive. Paasch recommends giving the players time and generating small successes in training to strengthen self -confidence. Scenaries like this are also known from previous coaching changes at Union, where trainers like Urs Fischer or Nenad Bjelica have achieved great success. The expectations of Baumgart are high and the fans hope for a successful return.

With a friendly against Holstein Kiel on Sunday, July 13th, Baumgart is already planning the first test of his work. The coming days will be decisive for how the team starts in the season and whether the goals set can be achieved.

For more information on Baumgart's commitment at Union Berlin Read the reports from rbb24, Goolazo and rbb24