Union Berlin, currently languishing in the Bundesliga relegation zone with just seven points from 12 games, has appointed Nenad Bjelica as the new head coach following the departure of Urs Fischer.
The 52-year-old Croatian, acknowledging Union as a well-run club in one of Europe's top leagues, expressed his goal of guiding the team out of a challenging period and highlighting their strengths once again.
Bjelica, whose coaching journey includes successful stints with Wolfsburg AC and Austria Vienna, notably taking the latter to the Champions League group stage for the first time, brings a wealth of experience. Having secured domestic league, cup, and supercup victories with Dynamo Zagreb, Bjelica is set to lead Union Berlin through a transitional phase.
Under Fischer's tenure, Union achieved historic milestones, securing promotion to the top division and even experiencing Champions League football within four seasons.
However, Fischer and the club parted ways in November after a winless streak of 14 games, leaving Union at the bottom of the table.
Sporting director Oliver Ruhnert expressed confidence in Bjelica, stating that his extensive experience as both a player and coach makes him a suitable fit for the team. Club president Dirk Zingler echoed this sentiment, emphasising the new coach's successful track record in various countries.
Union Berlin secured their first league point since August with a 1-1 draw against Augsburg on Saturday, lifting them off the bottom of the table. Despite being eliminated from the Champions League knockout rounds, Union still has a chance to qualify for the Europa League by finishing third in their group.
The team faces Braga on Wednesday in a crucial match that could shape their European aspirations.
