Ajit Karn
After his team’s 3-1 victory over Ajax on Thursday to move to the Europa League quarterfinals, Union Berlin boss Urs Fischer merely stated, “The madness continues.” The following halt on Union’s “insane” journey? German titans Bayern München on Sunday. Union reside alongside Bayern and fellow powerhouses Borussia Dortmund atop the Bundesliga, separated only by goal difference – a preseason result likely beyond the wildest expectations of any Union fan. Shortly after defeating Ajax on Thursday, while Union’s players were dancing in front of the standing-room-only terraces, the supporters began a refrain promising to “rip the Lederhosen off the Bavarians.”
In contrast to Bayern, who have won the Bundesliga more than all other German clubs combined, Union’s trophy cabinet is relatively bare, so supporters have a distinct conception of what’success’ entails.
“Care not about result”
In his first six games, Jordan Siebatcheu, an American striker, has scored three goals and dished out two assists. Siebatcheu joined the team in the summer and has since scored three goals and provided two assists.
According to his statement to AFP, “clear communication and the pleasant group of people enabled me to quickly adjust to the system and develop myself.”
“The supporters are incredible. They have no interest in the outcome.
“No matter if it’s the German Cup, Bundesliga, or friendlies, they’re there.
“Because of this, we must continue for the supporters.”
Siebatcheu is confident that the visitors on Sunday will not be intimidated by the occasion.
“It makes no difference to us whether we face Schalke or Munich.
‘Do a Leicester’
After flying to Berlin for scores of matches per year, John Richter, an Englishman, decided to transfer to Germany “because of Union” in the summer.
Richter, 58, told AFP he made the decision while standing on the turf of Union’s Alte Foersterei stadium after the club was promoted to the premier division in 2019.
“The playoff game against Stuttgart, during which we celebrated on the field, was one of the finest evenings of my life.”
“I simply felt the need to attend more matches and be in Berlin more frequently.”
For erstwhile Liverpool supporter Richter, who obtained a German passport through his father, supporting Union provides a connection to a less commercialised game with a purer fan culture.
Richter reclaimed his youth while “standing on a terrace” at Union.
Oliver Jauer, who contributes to the Union blog and podcast Textilvergehen, came to the club with his father at the age of two and has been a fan ever since.
“I’m glad I didn’t transgress against my father,” Jauer, now age 41, told AFP.
Jauer mimics manager Fischer’s stoic pragmatism regarding titles, but confesses, “I’m probably one of the few people I know who actively attempts to enable himself to dream.”
“I’m attempting to imagine what it would be like to pull a Leicester (the 2016 English champions), but every part of me is yelling that there’s only a 1% chance.”
For Jan Grobi, 54, a devoted Union supporter who has attended “pretty much every game” since 1983, an improbable championship victory may have repercussions.
“Before the season, I proclaimed, ‘If we win the German championship, I’ll saunter barefoot through the Alte Foersterei.’
“A few individuals are already attempting to hold me to that, saying, ‘Hey, Grobi, you vowed!'”
“Since then, we’ve decided it’ll be more like the Borat swimsuit, so that the unsightly parts are concealed,” he added, referring to the’mankini’ made famous by Sacha Baron Cohen’s blockbuster film about a vulgar fictional TV reporter from Kazakhstan.
A crazy journey
Union have never defeated Bayern, having lost four times and drawn three times, all by a 1-1 score, including earlier this season in Berlin.
Whether the team wins, loses, or draws on Sunday, and regardless of whether they can sustain a drive for the Champions League or an unlikely championship, Jauer suggests that success means something very different to Union supporters.
Also read: Tim Southee’s equal the batting record of MS Dhoni
“There is still a great deal of appreciation for the wild voyage – we are assured of a fourth consecutive season in the Bundesliga.”
“I believe no one would be terribly regretful if we somehow missed Europe on the last day of our trip.”
Everything else is an added benefit.
Only on JioSaavn.com can you hear the newest recordings.
Grobi muses, “I’ve undoubtedly heard the anthem a thousand times, but to hear it in the Alte Foersterei would be incredible.”
