As per Kicker, Union Berlin president Dirk Zingler spoke about the club’s first Europa League match at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, what it means for the fans, and their start to this season’s Bundesliga.
On Thursday evening, Union get their European campaign underway as they host Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Last season, the Irons were forced to play their Conference League matches at neighbouring Hertha Berlin’s stadium due to stadium regulations. With a change in the rules, Union were granted to host European games at the Alte Försterei where they’ve been competing for over 100 years.
When discussing the game during a special press conference, Zingler explained: “The day is very special for many people, including me of course. It’s a historic day for the club. Because there aren’t many Bundesliga clubs that have been there for 100 years play at the same location. For me, this is now the next stage.”
As well as the prospect of European football to look forward to, Union have made an excellent start to the season with 11 points from their first five matches including a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich.
For Zingler, this doesn’t come as a shock: “I’m not as surprised as others. I see how people work here every day. We have a concept. And over the last ten to fifteen years that has worked more than it hasn’t.
“Everyone on the pitch knows what they have to do. We don’t leave anything to chance. We also have a top head coach with a clear idea and clear language. Basically, it’s not magic. It’s important that we keep having fun. Because people are able to achieve more when they enjoy what they are doing.”
Football fans from all across Europe have taken notice of Union Berlin’s rise since promotion from the 2.Bundesliga in 2019.
Having only missed out on Champions League football by one point last season, who knows what is in store for the irons in the years to come?
GGFN
