Struggling Union Berlin bring in Bjelica in bid to beat Bundesliga relegation

November 27 – Nenad Bjelica will lead Union Berlin as the new manager, the Bundesliga club confirmed on Sunday.

The 52-year-old Croatian will succeed Urs Fisher, who parted ways with the capital club last week after five years in charge.

Fisher’s exit followed a nine-game losing run in the Bundesliga that had left them bottom of the table. Fisher guided Union to their first-ever season in the Bundesliga in 2019.

“In Nenad Bjelica, we have been able to attract an experienced coach who has worked successfully in various countries,” said Union president Dirk Zingler.

“He has a clear idea of how he wants to lead our team and what type of football they should play; we are entrusting him with the task of leading the team to success again.”

Bjelica will be tasked with leading Union out of the relegation zone. The club enjoyed their best season ever in the previous campaign, clinching a ticket to the Champions League. But their European campaign, with Real Madrid and Napoli in their group, has turned into a disappointment with just one draw from four games.

The Croatian coached for a number of years in Austria, including at Austria Wien and Lustenau. His last managing assignment was at Trabzonspor. On Wednesday he will debut against Braga. At the weekend, Union travel to Munich to play Bayern.

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