Steffen Baumgart’s debut as head coach of 1. FC Union Berlin this January was anticipated with both excitement and anxiety, as he stepped onto the pitch amid high stakes for the struggling team. Following months of dismal performances including nine consecutive matches without victory, the club turned their hopes toward the passionate former captain, who once led the team as a player.
Union Berlin faced their first test under Baumgart against Holstein Kiel on January 6, 2025, where they unfortunately fell short, losing the friendly match 1-2. This match served not only as a testing ground for lineup formations but also as a pivotal moment to assess the team’s readiness for the Bundesliga clash against 1. FC Heidenheim the following week. Baumgart expressed his determination to evaluate each player's performance and acceptance of the challenges at hand.
"It’s interesting to make decisions about who plays, and who goes out of the squad," Baumgart remarked. His focus was particularly on how to sort through his choices, especially concerning the goalkeeper position, as the first-choice goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow is currently sidelined with an elbow injury. Alexander Schwolow held the spot during the match against Kiel, and Baumgart emphasized the need for Rönnow to get back to training before any decisions can be fully made. He stated, "Freddy has to first come back to goalkeeping training to see how he handles the workload. Therefore, I wouldn't dare to make any prognosis yet."
Complicatively, Rani Khedira, another key player, will be unavailable due to suspension from yellow cards, raising the necessity for careful strategizing around the starting formation. Baumgart’s adaptation to switch to a four-man backline after previously benefiting from three central defenders means he’ll need to make tough decisions on which core players will take those spots, risking disruption to what had been the second-best defense lineup in the Bundesliga.
Assessing offensive options, the coach will need to inspire goal production where it has been scarce. The anticipated formation of two strikers requires him to identify who will partner with Woo-Yeong Jeong, as the performances of Kevin Volland and Jordan Siebatcheu lagged during the match against Kiel. On this front, Andrej Ilic managed to impress with his efforts, even if it was noted he needed to refine his timing to beat defenders, as Baumgart observed, "It was still somewhat hesitant. He was two or three times where the opponent arrived ten centimeters earlier, but he was at the right place." This acknowledgement might hint at Ilic’s fleeting chance to earn his spot against Heidenheim.
The urgency surrounding Baumgart’s challenge cannot be understated, as insider commentary suggests the need for immediate positive results. “When a new coach arrives, every player tends to give five to ten percent more; this dynamic is something I recognize from my career,” remarked one expert, underlining the psychological aspect of change, particularly within the Union squad.
Moving forward, the 1. FC Union Berlin must rally around Baumgart's emotional and engaging coaching style. His past with the club undoubtedly enriches his rapport with players and fans alike. Should he find immediate successes, such as securing victories against less formidable opponents, it could ease current tensions of relegation fears.
Even as fans hope for improved performances, the long-term vision for Baumgart's role intersects with continuing evaluations from sporting director Horst Heldt, ensuring they manifest the same synergy previously established between the departed Urs Fischer and Oliver Ruhnert, which served the club so well during its rise to prominence.
With Baumgart at the helm, all eyes will be on him next Saturday at 15:30 when Union Berlin makes its Bundesliga return against Heidenheim. While the stakes are undeniably high, football enthusiasts are certainly curious to see how the renowned head coach will instill renewed resilience and strategy among his players, attempting to steer the ship back on course.