Union Berlin coach sees relegation fight as motivation

Union Berlin coach Mauro Lustrinelli is embracing the role of an underdog as many football experts predict his team will struggle in the upcoming Bundesliga season. Instead of being discouraged, Lustrinelli sees these forecasts as a powerful motivator, drawing a parallel to his previous experience with FC Thun.

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Last year, FC Thun was predicted as the first to be relegated. It was awesome motivation for us.

"Last year, FC Thun was predicted as the first to be relegated. It was awesome motivation for us," Lustrinelli stated ahead of Union's season opener against Eintracht Frankfurt. He led the Swiss club to a sensational league title as a promoted team, a feat he acknowledges is unlikely to be replicated by Union Berlin. For the capital club, avoiding relegation would itself be a significant achievement.

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Of course, we are losing a top player. It is a loss.

The team's preparation for the season has been less than stellar, with only three victories in ten friendly matches. Their DFB-Pokal campaign also began with a narrow win against Eintracht Braunschweig. Adding to the challenges, star striker Ilyas Ansah is reportedly on the verge of a move to Premier League newcomers Hull City. "Of course, we are losing a top player. It is a loss," Lustrinelli admitted.

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Matteo can use the opportunity at this moment.

In goal, Matheo Raab is expected to start, with Frederik Rönnow's return from injury still uncertain. Lustrinelli indicated that Raab has an opportunity to seize the starting position. The coach also suggested that the decision on who will be the primary goalkeeper will be made once all keepers are at peak performance, leaving the door open for Rönnow to reclaim his spot.

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When all goalkeepers are at a top level, we will decide.