Union Berlin urge patience as they head to Munich against Bayern

At a press conference in Berlin, Union Berlin’s head coach Mauro Lustrinelli warned that his side have collected just one point from three opening Bundesliga matches, conceding ten goals, before travelling to Munich on Friday to face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. The accompanying photo by Matthias Koch of IMAGO captures the coach’s determined expression.

Lustrinelli likened the squad’s resilience to that of a two‑year‑old child learning to ride a bicycle – prone to falls, bruises and even bleeding. “It can happen again, but you must not lose hope, stay resilient and keep believing,” the 50‑year‑old said on Wednesday.

He appealed to the Union Berlin fans for Geduld, insisting the first‑division side will not hide despite the weak start. “We go to Munich to avoid defeat,” the Swiss added, praising a training week that delivered high intensity, good energy and plenty of joy. The coach reminded Berliners that patience will be rewarded.

Missing players and possible line‑up

Lustrinelli will be without five regulars – Stanley Nsoki, Andrej Ilic, long‑term injured Oliver Burke and Marvin Friedrich, and now Josip Juranovic. Right‑back Christopher Trimmel is expected to start, marking his first appearance in the season’s starting eleven.

He left open whether Union will deploy a back four or a back five against Bayern, noting that formation numbers matter less than the ability to trouble and hurt the Bavarians.

Learning from past defeats

Against Schalke 04 at home, Lustrinelli employed a 4‑2‑3‑1 with a back four, aiming for one‑on‑one duels, yet Union fell 1‑3 to the promoted Gelsenkirchen side. The poor offensive output and a fragile defence now demand urgent work.

He recalled FC Thun’s 2022/23 start, where his side earned only two points after four games and finished the season in sixth place. “We need a success experience like daily bread,” Lustrinelli said, hoping a miracle in the sold‑out Allianz Arena could spark the needed momentum.