Union Berlin 2022/2023: How Urs Fischer’s ‘Die Eisernen’ Have Risen To The Top Of Bundesliga – Tactical Analysis

Union Berlin come into this season off the back of a very successful campaign, where they finished 5th in the Bundesliga, missing out on qualification to the UEFA Champions League by finishing one point behind RB Leipzig. Berlin had the third-best defensive record in the league, conceding only 44 goals. Still, their inability to be more efficient in front of goal meant they ultimately had to settle for the UEFA Europa League.

This tactical analysis will take the form of a scout report that explains the tactics behind Union Berlin’s strong start to the season, both in attack and defence. This analysis will show how Union Berlin has outplayed their opponents, the reasons behind it, and what we can expect from Urs Fischers men by the end of the season.

Union Berlin Lineups And Formations

Union Berlin have lined up in a 3-5-2 for almost every game this season, with their match against Bayern Munich the exception, when they played a more cautious 5-4-1. The Bundesliga leaders have played in a very direct manner, averaging 42% possession, which leaves them 17th in the league in that regard. In this style, both strikers are tasked with running down the channels and serving as outlets for the team. The midfield line is very compact, which allows them to run onto loose balls knocked down from long balls. The two wing-backs stretch the opposition and are responsible for being the creative sparks in the team.

The team shown below is the one that started against Wolfsburg, with Baumgartl making his debut whilst the others had all been regulars this season.

Urs Fischer Build-Up And Direct Progression

In the build-up phase, Union Berlin have been one of the most direct teams in the league. Rather than playing through the press, Berlin looks to bypass it by going long to their two strikers, with Jordan Pefok being the main target as a 6-foot-23 focal point. Union Berlin have the 5th least valuable squad in the league, so its not overly surprising that they try to hide the lack of technical ability required to play in tight spaces, by playing the ball over the press.

While Berlin does go long from goal kicks, they have at times made a short pass before going long, luring opposition players and opening up space for players further up. The image below highlights Berlins desire to go long and have lots of players ready to win second balls from the flick-on. This is a risky tactic, as the back line is very open; if Union doesnt win the aerial duel, they could be instantly vulnerable to a counterattack.