Union Berlin's Baumgart Seeks Greater Clarity from His Squad

Union Berlin is currently grappling with early challenges in their preparation for the upcoming Bundesliga season, as they face setbacks in their training camp. The club has recorded two consecutive losses in recent friendly matches, raising concerns about the team's readiness.

Head coach Steffen Baumgart is optimistic that the remaining days in their training camp in Herzogenaurach will yield positive developments. With the squad having suffered defeats against second-division team Greuther Fürth and third-division side 1. FC Schweinfurt 05, Baumgart emphasizes the need for improved performance in the upcoming matches.

Baumgart noted that the circumstances of the training camp might be impacting the squad's performance. He insists on the necessity for the players to enhance their freshness and clarity in the next two friendly matches. During the recent game against Schweinfurt, Baumgart opted for substantial rotations, which affected the team's fluidity on the field.

He remarked that while the first half showed promise, the substitutions in the second half disrupted the team's ability to maintain pressure on the opposition.

Looking ahead, Union Berlin will face Spanish La Liga side Espanyol Barcelona in what will be their second-to-last friendly match of the preseason. This encounter is scheduled for Saturday at 15:30 in their home ground, Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

In this match, several players who recently returned from injury, including Oliver Burke, David Preu, Aljoscha Kemlein, and Woo-Yeong Jeong, are expected to gain more playing time. Burke missed the three preceding friendlies due to illness, while Preu was sidelined after sustaining a concussion in a previous match. Kemlein has been recovering from a metatarsal fracture since late January, and Jeong has been out since late March following an ankle injury sustained during a match against SC Freiburg.