- FC Union Berlin have appointed Mauro Lustrinelli as their new head coach, effective at the start of the 2026/27 season, the club announced on Thursday.
Lustrinelli, 50, joins Union Berlin after a successful spell with FC Thun, where he led the Swiss side to a surprise league title in the recently concluded season, marking the club’s first national championship in its history. He had been the head coach of Thun since 2022.
Prior to his role at Thun, Lustrinelli coached the Switzerland Under-21 national team. Notably, he also served as a co-coach alongside Union Berlin legend Urs Fischer at FC Thun in 2013, a connection the club highlighted in its announcement. Lustrinelli replaces interim manager Marie-Louise Eta, who made history as the first female head coach in Bundesliga history and will transition to lead the FCU women’s team next season.
According to a statement released by the club, Union Berlin are seeking a more proactive style of play under Lustrinelli. “I am very much looking forward to the task at 1. FC Union Berlin,” Lustrinelli said. “Union is a special club with clear values and honest people. I am highly motivated and full of anticipation to start a new journey together with the committees, the employees, the fans and, of course, with the team.”
Union Berlin’s managing director, Horst Heldt, explained the reasoning behind the appointment. “Mauro Lustrinelli has shown in recent years how he can shape and develop teams,” Heldt stated. “The championship title with a promoted team speaks for his professional qualities, but also for his ability to lead and inspire a group. His style of play also corresponds to our ideas. We want to play more actively, integrate more young players and be successful together.”
The appointment signals a clear intent from Union Berlin to build on their established Bundesliga presence with a coach known for developing teams and achieving success against the odds. Lustrinelli's prior experience working with Fischer could also prove beneficial as the club navigates its future.
