Lustrinelli aims for eye‑level clash as Union faces Schalke
Am Dienstag, the training ground on Hämmerlingstraße at FC Union Berlin’s facilities rang with shouts as Coach Mauro Lustrinelli rallied his Schützlinge, declaring “Wir trainieren Mentalität”. The atmosphere hinted at a Spiel that could be played on Augenhöhe, a Partie the club hopes to win against Schalke.
Recent setback in Leverkusen
The Union Mannschaft suffered a Debakel in Leverkusen three days earlier, losing 0‑4 away to Bayer Leverkusen. Rani Khedira described the defeat as a Lehrstunde, saying the team must learn from the experience.
Lustrinelli rejects the idea that Mentalität alone caused the loss, insisting the upcoming clash Gegen the Aufsteiger Schalke will be fought on Augenhöhe. He reminded that Union had previously drawn 3‑3 with Eintracht Frankfurt and beaten Eintracht Braunschweig 4‑2 in the DFB‑Pokal, outcomes he feels differ from the Leverkusen result.
Squad issues and tactical outlook
Union will be without Oliver Burke, Andrej Ilic, Marvin Friedrich and Stanley Nsoki, a significant Aus for the side. New signing Kastriot Imeri’s involvement remains uncertain after he took part in parts of Tuesday’s training and then worked individually, while Ilic appears headed for a longer Ausfall. Matthias Koch, covering the story, highlighted the depth concerns.
The absence of senior players could open a chance for 16‑year‑old Linus Güther, who shone in the U19 match on Sunday with two goals and two assists in a 5‑1 win over Hertha BSC. Lustrinelli said, “In den nächsten Tagen werden wir sehen, ob er zum Aufgebot gehören wird”.
Union’s Geschäftsführer Horst Heldt told a Medienrunde that the upcoming Begegnung will be a Partie auf Augenhöhe, echoing the coach’s confidence. Der Trainer prefers to focus on implementing the team’s Spielprinzipien rather than dwelling on the opponent’s reputation.
The Trainer reiterated that the clear Matchplan from the previous game did not materialise, and he urges his squad not to overthink but to ask themselves “wie wollen wir sofort auf unseren Erfolgskurs zurückkommen”. He believes a more offene Spiel will emerge, especially after three days (“Drei Tage”) of reflection.
If Union can translate the lessons from Leverkusen into a positive result, they could secure the first three points of the season, while Schalke, the Aufsteiger, will look to build on their early displays against Augsburg and Bayern Munich.