Fischer led Union from second division to UCL glamour - but admitted the magic is gone

For years, things only went uphill for Union Berlin regarding sporting results. They went from the second tier to the Champions League. But this year, things went downhill for the first time under successful coach Urs Fischer, so much so that the Swiss have now been dismissed after 14 consecutive competitive winless games and falling to the bottom of the Bundesliga table. It was a mutual decision and a friendly breakup. But it had to happen.

Analyzing raw numbers, the separation of Fischer from Union Berlin seems understandable. Nine consecutive losses in the Bundesliga, leading to plummeting to the bottom of the league table, with only one draw and 13 losses in the past 14 competitive games, were simply too much. The recent 0-4 defeat in Leverkusen, which could have been worse for Union, must have been particularly disillusioning for Fischer, mainly because it came after the encouraging 1-1 Champions League draw in Naples.

The Swiss penned an emotional letter to the supporters who still hold him in the highest of regards.

"The last few weeks have taken a lot of energy. We tried a lot, the team put in a lot, but it didn't pay off in results. I am very grateful for the trust that I have always felt here. Nevertheless, it feels right when a change happens now. With Union, I got to know and appreciate an extraordinary club. My thanks go to the players I worked with during this time, assistant Markus Hoffmann and my team, those responsible, the club's employees, and the fans. It is very fortunate to have experienced this extremely positive type of support. I wish Union only the best and am convinced they will succeed in staying in the league."

Now, Union President Dirk Zingler and Fischer have jointly decided to conclude the five-year success story. According to the club's chief, Fischer was given the freedom to determine when he would step aside, exercising this option granted to him due to his contributions. This sequence of events once again characterizes Fischer. When he recognized the situation as stagnant, he did not prioritize his feelings or position above the club's interests. He showed great kindness and humility by communicating to his president that a fresh face, a new approach, and a different manner of addressing things might be the most effective means of getting Union Berlin back on track. Just as Fischer calmly and empathetically guided Berlin's successes, he remained true to his grounded nature and approach in times of failure. He was dignified when winning and remained such when the losses came.

Unintentionally, Fischer leaves behind a significant burden for his successor - whether it's interim coach Marco Grote or a newly appointed trainer after the international break. The new person on the sidelines is expected to secure the team's top-flight status, but they will primarily be evaluated in relation to Fischer, the man who elevated Union to a different level in sporting terms since arriving in 2018. His integrity has also been evidenced in the recent separation from the club.

Marie-Louise Eta is the first assistant coach in the men's Bundesliga, albeit initially on an interim basis following Fischer's departure.

The 32-year-old former footballer has been assisting U-19 coach Grote at Union since the start of the season. Now that Grote has been asked to lead the first team until a new permanent coach is hired, his assistant will follow him. It's news of historical significance: There has never been a head coach or assistant coach in the men's Bundesliga. And Eta probably never expected to be the first.

Marie-Louise retired at 26 due to various injuries. Her coaching career had already begun by then. She started coaching the U-15 girls' team at Werder Bremen, followed by the U-13 and U-14 boys' teams and later the male U-15 squad. In between, she gained experience as an assistant coach for various junior women's teams at the German Football Association. She also completed a sports management degree.