Head coach

Nenad Bjelica took over from Urs Fischer as 1. FC Union Berlin boss at the end of November, with the side on a winless run of 14 competitive games. The Croatian Bjelica picked up some experience of German football during his playing career at 1. FC Kaiserslautern between 2001 and 2004.

Bjelica began his coaching career at FC Kärnten in 2007. After various spells in Austria, he also spent time at Spezia in Italy, Lech Poznań in Poland, Dinamo Zagreb and NK Osijek in Croatia and Trabzonspor in Turkey. Union is his first coaching position in Germany.

Bjelica won two league titles and one cup in Croatia during his time at Dinamo Zagreb. Both Dani Olmo and former RBL defender Josko Gvardiol played under him during this spell.

The 52-year-old has established a defensive style of play at Union and made conceding as few goals as possible the priority. Bjelica will not be on the touchline for the game on Sunday, as he is suspended for violent conduct against Bayern’s Leroy Sane. Marie-Louise Eta, Danijel Jumic and Nino Bule will be there in his place.

An interesting fact is that Marie-Louise Eta also spent time last year with RB Leipzig and Marco Rose’s coaching team.