Bjelica and Union Berlin to part ways | OneFootball

After joining Union Berlin in November last year, Head Coach, Nenad Bjelica is set to leave Union Berlin at the end of this season, according to Kicker.

The Croatian took over Union Berlin from long-standing Head Coach, Urs Fischer.

After a dismal record of nine consecutive defeats in the Bundesliga, bottom of their Champions League group, and knocked out of the DFB Pokal, Bjelica had one job: to avoid Bundesliga relegation.

Bjelica initially stemmed the leaks.

Union Berlin won five league games between December and February, lifting them nine points clear of the relegation places, but a recent downturn in form has pulled the Köpenick side back into trouble.

With just three games left of the Bundesliga season, Union Berlin are just two points above Mainz 05 in 16th and winless since mid-March.

Kicker report that Nenad Bjelica has no future at Union Berlin and will depart at the end of this season.

Bjelica has given his side more confidence and the performances of American International Brenden Aaronson have impressed, however the 52-year-old is not expected to take the team forward in the long term.

His game preparation, such as the lack of tactical and video analysis, are reportedly viewed negatively within the squad.

There were reports that Bjelica could have been dismissed before the crunch match against VfL Bochum on Sunday, but Union Berlin’s hierarchy have kept faith with Bjelica. At least for now.

The search for Urs Fischer’s long-term replacement continues but if Union can win their last few games, Bjelica would have at least accomplished what he set out to do.

GGFN | Oscar O’Mara