Union Berlin focused on survival as interim coach Eta eyes crucial points
Union Berlin interim coach Marie-Louise Eta has expressed confidence that her team will secure the Bundesliga status they are fighting for, despite a challenging run-in. In an exclusive interview with Bundesliga, Eta acknowledged the precarious position but insisted the squad is fully aware of the task ahead, with four games remaining to secure their top-flight future.
Eta stated that the team made a positive step forward in their most recent match, despite a disappointing result. The club, which has never been relegated from the Bundesliga, sits just above the relegation playoff spot, holding a narrow advantage over the teams below them. According to the interim coach, the players are professional and understand the gravity of the situation they find themselves in.
The immediate focus is a daunting trip to face RB Leipzig on Friday. Eta admitted that Leipzig, who are in strong form, pose a significant threat. She emphasized that preparation will be key, with the coaching staff analyzing Leipzig's strengths and weaknesses to identify opportunities. Eta said the team must concentrate on delivering their own performance while being acutely aware of the opposition's qualities.
While acknowledging there have been more difficult survival battles in the club's recent history, Eta stressed that the team is not taking the current predicament lightly. She reiterated that Union Berlin's fate remains in their own hands, a sentiment that provides a foundation for their belief. The club's objective is clear: to pick up the necessary points from the final quartet of matches, starting with the difficult fixture in Leipzig.
The context of Union Berlin's season adds weight to these final games. After a campaign that has included a historic first Champions League participation, the club is now embroiled in a tense battle to avoid an immediate fall from grace. Securing safety would allow for a more stable rebuild in the summer, while failure would represent a monumental setback for a club that has risen steadily through the German football pyramid.
