Union Berlin has officially appointed Steffen Baumgart as their new head coach, marking his return to the club where he once played and captained. This decision follows the dismissal of Bo Svensson after the team’s dismal run of nine matches without victory, leaving them languishing at 12th place in the Bundesliga standings.
Baumgart, 52, expressed his excitement about returning to Union, stating, "I'm very much looking forward to returning to the Bundesliga and to Union. It's certainly an advantage to know the club and many people here well." His familiarity with Union is underscored by his history with the club, where he played from 2002 to 2004, scoring 22 goals in 68 appearances and earning the title of Union’s Player of the Year on two occasions.
Horst Heldt, the club’s director of men's professional football, highlighted the reasons for Baumgart’s appointment: "We chose Steffen Baumgart because we are convinced he is the right type of coach for us. His way of leading a team, developing players, and challenging them was an important aspect of our decision," Heldt remarked.
Baumgart's coaching career has been marked by notable success, particularly during his time with Paderborn, which he steered to back-to-back promotions from the third tier to the Bundesliga. Later, he achieved significant success at Köln, where he secured two separate top-flight finishes and qualified for the UEFA Conference League.
Adapting quickly to his new role, Baumgart is preparing for the immediate challenges facing Union. He noted, "We don't have much time to prepare and will work intensively with the players to be prepared for the tasks ahead of us." Indeed, his task is urgent: Union has just 17 points, sitting perilously above the relegation zone.
Baumgart will begin his coaching activities with his first training session scheduled for January 2, 2025, as he looks to instill confidence and direction within the team. His first match at the helm will be against Holstein Kiel on January 5, providing Baumgart the opportunity to quickly assess the team’s condition and readiness.
He will not be alone, as co-trainers Sebastian Bönig and Adrian Wittmann, both familiar faces within Union, have rejoined him. They will join existing staff members René Wagner and Kevin McKenna, completing Baumgart’s coaching team. Together, they hope to reverse Union’s fortunes quickly.
Bringing Bundesliga experience and proven leadership, Baumgart’s appointment signals Union's intent to reclaim competitive stature. His familiarity with the club's culture and values will undoubtedly play to his advantage as he works to uplift the spirits of the squad and maintain the support of passionate Union fans.
Union's management remains optimistic, with their focus firmly on the future under Baumgart's stewardship. With challenging matches against Heidenheim and Augsburg coming up, each game will be pivotal as they seek to secure their position and potentially climb away from danger. The hope is palpable within the club and its supporters as they prepare for this next chapter with Baumgart firmly at the helm.