Union Berlin’s new Swiss boss faces early test after Thun triumph

Swiss coach Mauro Lustrinelli, fresh from guiding promoted Thun to the Swiss championship, has taken charge of Bundesliga side Union Berlin. Hired after a summer hype, he now faces an uneasy start – four months and three league rounds in, the club has yet to record a win.

Summer hype and appointment

The summer buzz surrounding Lustrinelli surged after the Tessin native led the newly promoted Thun to a sensational title. Union Berlin’s managing director Horst Heldt said the initial talks “sparked” and confirmed the 50‑year‑old’s appointment during his presentation.

Struggles in the first months

Roughly four months and three Bundesliga matchdays later, the Köpenick side finds itself in an uncomfortable position. A difficult pre‑season filled with numerous unbeaten friendlies gave way to a 4‑2 cup‑round victory over lower‑league Eintracht Braunschweig, but league success has remained elusive.

After a dramatic 3‑3 draw that featured a comeback against Eintracht Frankfurt on the opening league day, Union suffered a 0‑4 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen and a 1‑3 loss to promoted Schalke 04, leaving the team winless.

Speaking before the clash with the “Royal Blues”, Lustrinelli told SRF Sport, “I feel very comfortable in Berlin. Union is a special club with a great fan culture. It’s nice to be here, but I also feel responsibility.” He added that the team spirit remains high, echoing the atmosphere he cultivated at Thun.

Lustrinelli is aware that criticism will mount if results do not improve, especially as this is his first coaching role abroad. He noted, “We are still at the very beginning. Some things work well, others less so. The mentality and team spirit are there; the playing principles will follow.”

His predecessors, Nenad Bjelica (22 games) and Bo Svensson (16 games), also struggled to find time to implement their ideas. Former Thun player Kastriot Imeri, currently injured, is praised for his ability to add creativity in the final third, while Swiss international Michel Aebischer provides another compatriot in midfield.

Lustrinelli hopes the squad can rise to the challenge in the upcoming Friday away fixture against reigning double winners Bayern Munich – a Herculean task for both Union and their new coach.