14.01.2021Bundesliga

Bosz: Union ‘deserve’ to be in leading group

Next stop for the Werkself: Berlin. Bayer 04 return to the capital for the first time since the DFB Cup final. But the destination this time is not the Olympic Stadium but instead the Stadion An der Alten Försterei: The Werkself are away to Union Berlin on Friday 15 January (kick-off: 20.30 CET/live on DAZN and Werks11 Radio). Werkself head coach Peter Bosz sees parallels in the playing style of Union Berlin and this week’s cup opponents Eintracht Frankfurt.

Bayer 04 announced the signing of Timothy Fosu-Mensah ahead of the clash with Union Berlin. A versatile Dutch defender, “a valuable addition to our squad,” said sporting managing director Rudi Völler. But head coach Peter Bosz will have to manage without his fellow countryman in Berlin. The new signing from Manchester United is in self-isolation for five days following his arrival from England. The 23-year-old will join the squad after that. “When Timothy joins us we’ll take time to talk to him and see how fit he is,” declared Bosz at the pre-match press conference.

Wirtz comeback unclear

Captain Charles Aránguiz will be back in the squad as he was for the 4-1 home win against Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB Cup. There is a question mark over a possible return to the squad for Florian Wirtz. The youngster has been rested for the past two games due to the current crowded fixture list. Bosz on the 17-year-old: “Flo will train again today and then we’ll decide if he travels or not.” There are no other changes in personnel from the cup game against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Bosz: Play our own game

Ahead of the clash with the team in fifth place, head coach Bosz compared the tactical approach of the team under Urs Fischer and Eintracht Frankfurt. “Union are a team quick to put you under pressure and engage in one-on-ones, said the Dutchman. “They will definitely play the same way against us. It has worked well against other top teams.”

The team from Köpenick earned a 1-1 draw with the record champions from Munich and they secured a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund. Bosz added: “Union are near the top after 15 games. Why shouldn’t they be at the end of the season? They’ve fought to get into that position and they’ve deserved it.”

In view of the strengths of the opponents, the 56-year-old is expecting “hard work” from his team. It’s not easy to move the ball around as quickly as usual against Union. “But we’ve got ideas of how we can do it against them,” declared Bosz.

Match information:
Broadcasters: DAZN and Werks11 Radio
Referee: The match officials will be announced on the day of the game

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