Union Berlin’s Remarkable Rise: Tactical Analysis of the 2022-23 Season
Union Berlin have emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most compelling stories over the past two seasons. After finishing fifth in the 2021-22 campaign under manager Urs Fischer, many doubted their ability to maintain that success amidst squad changes and a fiercely competitive league. However, Union have not only sustained their form—they have sharpened their identity and climbed into the Bundesliga’s upper echelon, entering the 2022-23 season unbeaten and sitting firmly in the top four.
This article delivers an in-depth examination of Union Berlin’s tactical evolution, highlighting Fischer’s unique approach that sets the club apart from Germany’s conventional powerhouses.
Unique Formation: The Backbone of Union Berlin’s Success
A defining element of Union Berlin’s excellence is their unwavering commitment to a 3-1-4-2 or 3-5-2 formation. Despite coping with key departures—including goalkeeper Andreas Luthe and top scorer Taiwo Awoniyi—Union have retooled their lineup without missing a beat.
At the back, Frederik Rønnow has seamlessly replaced Luthe, proving himself a reliable presence between the posts. Defensive reinforcements like Diogo Leite (from SC Braga) and Danilho Doekhi (from Vitesse) have strengthened the back three, joining mainstay Robin Knoche. Paul Jaeckel, a holdover from last season, offers additional depth, though Doekhi’s arrival brought greater solidity after Jaeckel’s initial struggles.
Surprises have also emerged in the wing-back positions. Julian Ryerson, previously a squad player, now regularly features as a versatile left-sided option, often stepping in for or complementing veteran captain Christopher Trimmel on the right. Niko Gießelmann has proved a valuable option on the left, providing vital attacking width and delivering dangerous crosses.
In midfield, the tireless trio of Rani Khedira, Janik Haberer (a spirited new arrival from Freiburg), and a rotating cast that includes Morten Thorsby, Genki Haraguchi, and András Schäfer, provide a blend of resilience and tactical discipline. Khedira, playing as the anchor, orchestrates defensive phases and maintains shape, while Haberer and his colleagues offer both industry and the ability to break forward.
Up front, the dynamic has shifted with Sheraldo Becker stepping up as the main goal threat, supported by newcomer Jordan Siebatcheu. Becker has exceeded his previous scoring record, while Siebatcheu’s physicality and aerial prowess offer an ideal foil, allowing Union to continue their trademark vertical play.
Attacking Approach: Directness and Ruthless Efficiency
Union Berlin’s build-up patterns are distinctively pragmatic. From the back, they shape into a 3+1 diamond with Khedira sitting atop the defensive trio and Rønnow actively involved in distribution. While the initial phase may include short passing, pressure quickly prompts Rønnow to go long, targeting Siebatcheu and Becker up top.
Union’s attack is marked by several core principles:
– **Quick transitions**: Preferring direct routes to goal, Union’s midfielders often bypass intricate buildup, seeking to hit forwards early or release wing-backs wide.
– **Verticality and overloads**: The team frequently creates 3-1-6 attacking shapes, flooding the box with numbers and stretching defensive lines with wing-backs.
– **Counterattack masterclass**: Union’s low possession (averaging just 37.1%) and modest pass completion rate (69%) do not concern the team; they are at their most dangerous when snatching the ball and springing forward, as evidenced by having the Bundesliga’s highest goal-per-shot ratio (0.22).
Becker and Siebatcheu’s partnership is central to this quick-strike mentality. Siebatcheu serves as the target man, holding up play and winning aerial duels (an average of 6.3 per game), which allows Becker to exploit space behind with pace. Third-man runs from midfield or the opposite forward frequently result in high-quality chances, often finished clinically even under heavy opposition pressure.
Union’s scoring efficiency stands out: in just their first five matches, they tallied 12 goals—second most in the division—despite a significantly lower expected goals (xG) value, indicating exceptional finishing and opportunistic attacking.
Defensive Organization: Compactness and Discipline
Defensively, Union Berlin set themselves apart with a structured 5-3-2 shape. Khedira’s positional discipline as the midfield anchor organizes compact blocks that are exceptionally difficult to break down. The defensive principles include:
– **Calculated pressing**: While not engaging in high pressing, Union’s strikers alternate in applying pressure to opposition center-backs, with the other forward dropping to screen pivot players.
– **Controlled aggression**: Although Union commit the most fouls in the league (89 thus far), they accumulate few yellow cards (just 5)—a testament to their mastery of disruptive, but clean defensive tactics.
– **Man-oriented zones**: Defenders engage attackers strictly within their zones, maintaining collective structure and simply getting tight when opponents enter their area.
– **Numbers behind the ball**: Union frequently pull nine or ten players behind the ball when defending in their own half, leaving a lone forward upfield to provide an outlet.
The statistics reinforce their defensive prowess. Union average more clearances per game (28.6) than any other Bundesliga side, reflecting their readiness to clear danger and force the opposition to recycle possession. Their capacity to restrict opponents to limited quality chances has been a hallmark of Fischer’s tenure.
The wing-backs contribute significantly as well, offering strong 1v1 defensive abilities while also joining midfielders in defensive shuffles. This collective work rate ensures that Union are rarely caught out of shape—a key factor in their resilience.
Key Players and Role Evolution
Union Berlin’s tactical system thrives on both stability and adaptability. Several individuals have stood out:
– **Frederik Rønnow**: Commanding presence in goal, confident in launching quick counterattacks.
– **Robin Knoche**: The organizer at the back, linking new defensive partners and ensuring balance.
– **Julian Ryerson and Niko Gießelmann**: Versatile wing-backs, adding unpredictability by alternating between overlapping and cutting inside.
– **Rani Khedira**: The heartbeat as defensive midfielder, setting tempo and anchoring the compact shape.
– **Janik Haberer**: An energetic new midfield option blending ball-winning with attacking surges.
– **Sheraldo Becker and Jordan Siebatcheu**: Complementary strikers—Becker with pace and movement, Siebatcheu with physical presence and aerial ability.
This squad-wide commitment—to both the system and Fischer’s philosophy—has cultivated an impressive sense of identity across all phases of play.
Summary: Union Berlin’s Tactical Identity and Continued Trajectory
Union Berlin’s 2022-23 campaign is a study in maximizing collective strengths while defying possession-driven trends in modern football. Despite modest passing and possession statistics, Union’s disciplined defensive structure and rapid, vertical attacking transitions have propelled them into the Bundesliga’s top four—still unbeaten after five matches.
Their model is clear: prioritize compactness and defensive solidity, then strike forcefully and efficiently on the break. Urs Fischer’s tactical clarity and his players’ relentless work rate have enabled Union to punch well above their weight—outscoring expectations, frustrating elite opponents, and stirring excitement throughout German football.
While questions remain about the sustainability of their overperformance in front of goal, Union Berlin’s tactical rigor and unwavering commitment to Fischer’s blueprint suggest they are poised to remain one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous and fascinating teams for the rest of the season.
