Baumgart before returning to Union Berlin: A new coach for hope?

Steffen Baumgart could be the new trainer of the 1. FC Union Berlin. According to current reports, the talks between Baumgart and the association have already progressed. The 51-year-old has been available on November 24, 2023 since his early end at Hamburger SV and could take over the management of the team immediately after the winter break.

Baumgart, who was active for Union Berlin from 2002 to 2004 and enjoys cult status at the fans, is traded as a hottest candidate after the club separated from Bo Svensson. Under Svensson, Union was unable to win nine competitive games in a row, which increased the pressure on those responsible. Union professional football managing director Horst Heldt, who has been in office since the beginning of the season, pursues intensive development.

Change of trainer necessary

Horst Heldt emphasized that after the separation of Svensson, a noticeable change was necessary to achieve a trend reversal. The first half of the season ended Union Berlin as a Bundesliga twelfth, with the last win on October 20 against Holstein Kiel. Heldt plans to find the new trainer in good time so that he can start the winter preparation in Berlin on January 2, 2024.

After the change of coach at Union, André Breitenreiter also found a new job; He became a coach at Hannover 96. Union search for a new coach could soon lead to a decision, especially since the second half of the season on January 19, 2024 begins with a home game against Mainz 05. On January 26, 2024, Union plays against the promoted St. Pauli in Hamburg.

The connection between Horst Heldt and Steffen Baumgart extends to their time together at 1st FC Köln, where Heldt Baumgart originally committed, but could not work together due to discharge before the start of the season. Baumgart could possibly initiate the turn with his experience and personal ties to the city of Union Berlin.