Bundesliga
Bjelica ban: Union’s Ruhnert a little more conciliatory after the win
Union’s managing director Oliver Ruhnert is satisfied with the performance of his coaching bench against Darmstadt – even without the suspended Bjelica. photo
© Soeren Stache/German Press Agency GmbH/dpa
Even without the suspended coach Bjelica, Union wins against Darmstadt. The pressure on the Croatian seems to be decreasing somewhat.
The important win against Darmstadt 98 seems to have put an end to the head coach’s sensational omission Nenad Bjelica seems to have smoothed things out a bit at 1. FC Union Berlin.
“It’s always unfortunate when a head coach misses three games. However, if we are as successful in the next two as we were in this one, it’s a good story,” said managing director Oliver Ruhnert after the 1-0 win over bottom-placed Darmstadt ARD. The Köpenick team increased their lead over relegation place 16 to five points thanks to their success.
Head coach Bjelica was banned for three games for his handwiping against national player Leroy Sané. He watched the game against the Hessians in a box. A public debate arose as to whether Bjelica was still acceptable for Union after the action.
“We said that we didn’t like the way Union Berlin’s head coach acted on Wednesday. We told the team that, and we also made that clear to the coach. We expected him to apologize for it in all forms, and that “He did that too,” said Ruhnert. “It is clear to us that something like this should definitely not happen again.” Before the game, the 52-year-old had avoided making a clear statement as to whether Bjelica would be back on the Berlin bench after his ban expired.
Ruhnert also emphasized that the 52-year-old Croatian was only restricted in his work on match days. “Apart from the half hour before the game and the half hour after the game, he is not banned from working. He can lead training as normal and that’s what he does,” said the managing director. “I think we did a very good job on the bench today. The three who are there as substitutes are doing very well.”