As the final whistle blew at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, cheers of joy and elation rang out from the stands and into the warm May night. Union Berlin had managed to hold off Stuttgart 0-0 (2-2 agg.) at home to seal promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in the club’s illustrious history.
After going unbeaten in six of their final seven matches of the season to maintain their promotion/relegation playoff spot, Union Berlin will become just the sixth team from the former East Germany ever to play in the Bundesliga. They round out the promoted clubs, joining FC Köln and SC Paderborn, both who have been in the Bundesliga in recent seasons. This tactical analysis scout report will work as a season preview for Union Berlin’s maiden season in the top flight.
Urs Fischer’s tactical philosophy
Manager Urs Fischer will be leading Union Berlin in the Bundesliga this season. The former Swiss centre-back began coaching the club in June 2018, after last managing FC Basel to two Swiss Super League titles and one Swiss Cup title in two seasons.
Last season, Fischer implemented a high front press out of possession with a high defensive line. The attacking players push forward to create pressure on the opposing backline while closing off passing outlets.
Attacks quickly follow as a result of the pressure. Chance creations in this 4-3-3 based system occur quickly and directly to prevent the backline from reorganising in time to defend.
These tactical principles are basic pressing tactics which can be highly volatile when used correctly. Whether Fischer chooses to continue using this system in the first division or not, it has the potential to disrupt superior opposition. First, we will take a look at the high press.
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