Union Berlin finally learn how to ride as Mauro Lustrinelli’s patience pays off

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Following Union Berlin’s humiliating 7-0 defeat against Bayern Munich before the international break, head coach Mauro Lustrinelli returned to a metaphor he had previously used to explain his team’s struggles.

The Swiss head coach compared Union’s attempts to implement a new tactical system to a young child learning how to ride a bicycle. At the time, Lustrinelli’s ambitious rebuilding project appeared to be heading nowhere. The Köpenick club had endured a historically poor start to the Bundesliga campaign, conceding 17 goals in their opening four fixtures and finding themselves languishing near the bottom of the table.

The 0-7 defeat in Munich represented the low point of an already difficult transition. Nevertheless, Lustrinelli remained committed to his approach.

“I’m very happy about the coming international break,” Lustrinelli remarked after the Bayern debacle. “It’s very important to get this out of our heads, let the players have some time to themselves, and recharge their batteries.”

“And then we’ll come back and play again because life goes on,” the coach continued. “A couple of days ago, I brought up this metaphor of a small child learning to ride his bike. At the moment, we keep falling to the ground. We need resilience, trust, and courage.”

“For me it’s important not to dwell too long on what didn’t work,” Lustrinelli concluded. “For me, it’s about what I can do to help the team. We have begun the project. We simply carry on. At the moment, there are legitimate questions. We just stick to the path with all our might.”

Three weeks later, Union finally have something tangible to show for their persistence. Saturday afternoon’s 1-0 home victory against promoted SV Elversberg delivered the club’s first three points of the Bundesliga season.

Union Berlin rediscover traditional strengths against Elversberg

Lustrinelli’s side were hardly spectacular against Vincent Wagner’s promoted Saarland outfit, but there were clear improvements across several areas of their game. Union pressed more effectively, demonstrated greater physical presence in individual duels and, most importantly, defended with considerably more discipline. The visitors managed just seven shots and 0.22 expected goals, while the hosts produced 19 efforts and 1.51 xG.

The performance also recalled the familiar qualities that once made Union such an uncomfortable opponent for Bundesliga opposition. Their physical approach, commitment to second balls and renewed effectiveness from set pieces ultimately proved decisive.

Substitute Livan Burcu delivered the winning goal in the 81st minute, striking from the edge of the penalty area after a Christopher Trimmel corner had been cleared. The 21-year-old’s effort took a decisive deflection off Elversberg midfielder Felix Keidel before finding the net.

Union captain Rani Khedira was particularly pleased with the collective defensive effort.

“Everybody was fighting for each other,” Khedira told Sky Germany afterwards. “We played Union football. No one felt alone on the pitch. With that [such a performance], one can deliver such a game.”

Khedira’s comments represented a notable change in tone from his reaction to Union’s 3-1 defeat against Schalke earlier in the season. On that occasion, the veteran midfielder had rejected suggestions that the team’s transition from a back five to a back four could excuse failures in basic defending.

“Every Bundesliga player must be prepared to play in a back four,” Khedira insisted at the time. “That can’t be an alibi.”

Against Elversberg, the collective commitment Khedira had been demanding was finally evident.

Livan Burcu reveals Horst Heldt’s prediction before winning goal

Matchwinner Burcu also offered an entertaining account of the encouragement he received before entering the match as a 58th-minute substitute. Managing director Horst Heldt, who always made clear that Burcu enjoyed his full backing, prophesied that the 22-year-old would make a difference on this particular day.

“Horst [Heldt] is a good advisor to me,” Burcu told Sky Germany while accepting his man-of-the-match award. “He’s always stood behind me and motivates me. Before I entered [the match] today, he told me that I would score one.”

“But it wasn’t just Horst [that I was running to after the goal],” Burcu continued. “It was the entire bench. Everyone came together. It’s like a family in the locker room. The emotions were present.”

Burcu’s remarks also recalled another of Lustrinelli’s favourite metaphors. Following Union’s opening-day draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, the coach compared his rebuilding project to constructing a house. The foundations, he explained, consisted of team spirit and mentality. Only once those were secure could the walls and roof, representing the team’s more sophisticated tactical principles, be completed.

Saturday’s celebrations suggested that the foundations remain intact.

Mauro Lustrinelli: “We did a lot of little things better”

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Lustrinelli emphasised the importance of incremental progress rather than portraying Union’s first victory as a complete turnaround.

“I’ve always slept well,” the Swiss trainer said when reflecting on the difficult opening weeks. “We need the wins. We did a lot of little things better today. If we can continue with this intensity, we’ll collect more wins.”

The clean sheet was particularly satisfying after Union’s defensive struggles during the opening month.

“Myself and the players talked about how good it felt to keep a clean sheet again,” Lustrinelli explained. “The past is gone and today is what matters. The international break did the whole team good. We worked hard and were able to reward ourselves today.”

Asked how he planned to celebrate his first Bundesliga victory as Union head coach, the 50-year-old remained characteristically playful.

“I haven’t had time to think about it,” Lustrinelli said. “Perhaps I’ll do something spontaneous, but that’s not something I’m going to reveal.”

Union’s next challenge will be considerably tougher. Unbeaten Borussia Dortmund visit the Alte Försterei next Saturday, providing an immediate test of whether the improvement against Elversberg represents the beginning of something more sustainable.

For now, Lustrinelli can take encouragement from the first meaningful reward for his patience.

The house is still under construction, and the bicycle remains rather unsteady. At least Union have finally managed to stay upright long enough to get somewhere.

GGFN | Peter Weis