Union Berlin Faces Defensive Crisis

Union Berlin quickly made a name for itself in the top division after being promoted in 2019, showcasing a robust defensive strategy that led them to qualify for European competitions on three occasions. It was evident that very few teams in Germany could counterattack as effectively during this timeframe. The team’s focus on maintaining stability and cohesion on the pitch was apparent, reaching even the far corners of Berlin.

Even when Union found themselves in a relegation struggle for the first time in the past two years, their defense remained a dependable resource. While the offense struggled to make an impact, the defensive line repeatedly secured essential victories for the club.

Current Defensive Woes

However, by September 2025, that reliability has dissipated. In their first three matches, Union conceded a staggering eight goals, marking them as having the weakest defense in the league.

Factors Behind the Defensive Decline

What has led to goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow finding himself picking the ball out of the net more frequently in recent weeks compared to previous seasons under Urs Fischer?

One contributing factor is Leopold Querfeld: the Austrian player had risen to prominence as an exciting defensive talent in the Bundesliga last year and was expected to step into a leadership role this summer. Unfortunately, his development stalled, and the 21-year-old has made several critical errors recently.

Without Diogo Leite’s support, Querfeld appears overwhelmed. The Portuguese defender sought a move away over the summer, but the transfer did not materialize. Due to injury concerns, he trained individually for weeks and is currently behind on fitness, yet he has not played any competitive matches.

Leite’s potential return might be needed sooner than anticipated. With Tom Rothe facing a suspension due to a red card, coach Steffen Baumgart may have to call upon Leite against Eintracht Frankfurt: “If he gets back to his optimal fitness, he will quickly become a valuable asset again,” Baumgart mentioned in an interview.

However, it remains uncertain whether Leite will reclaim his regular starting position. During his tenure at 1. FC Köln, Baumgart had a similar experience where he opted not to include a professional player with a contract nearing expiration and thoughts of departure, despite the pressing needs on the field. This situation resembles that of offensive talent Justin Diehl, who is now with VfB Stuttgart and could have aided Köln during their troubling relegation season in 2023/2024.

Assessing the Rothe Experiment

Yet, mistakes can serve as learning experiences. This brings us to an additional reason for Union’s newfound defensive struggles: during preseason, Baumgart made the unexpected choice to convert left-back Tom Rothe into a left center-back.

Interestingly, this idea didn’t originate with Baumgart himself but rather stemmed from his coaching staff. “That wasn’t my idea at all,” he confessed, adding, “But I’m open to exploring new tactics before dismissing them.”

Unfortunately, this experiment has yet to yield positive results. After an initial 2-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart, Union faltered against BVB and TSG Hoffenheim, conceding an alarming seven goals.

While it would be too straightforward to attribute the downfall to Rothe’s unfamiliar role, it is evident that the 20-year-old is not fully comfortable. He has struggled, winning less than 40 percent of his ground duels and has looked ineffective during goal concessions. To add insult to injury, he received a red card against Hoffenheim. So, is it time to abandon the center-back experiment?

Or was it a misguided venture to begin with? An analysis of the Schleswig-Holstein native’s career to date shows his strengths lie in offensive contributions. Rothe is dynamic and excels as a crosser and playmaker. Meanwhile, his weaknesses appear in duel strength and defensive play.

The young defender seems to share this sentiment, conveying, “I need to enhance my defensive capabilities,” in the summer following his position change. “I’m trying to adapt and make the most out of it,” he added, although his words lack conviction.

A Return to Defensive Basics?

Nonetheless, a complete reversal of the center-back experiment doesn’t seem on the horizon. The club has acquired Derrick Köhn for a substantial four million euros – a player with a similar profile as Rothe, who typically operates in the same wingback position. Another contender for the left flank is Robert Skov.

However, is this truly in the best interests of the club at Alte Försterei? Would it not have proven wiser to gradually transition Rothe into his new responsibilities, especially since the recent two seasons and a tumultuous preseason pointed towards yet another fight for survival this year?

For the time being, one fact stands clear: FCU has squandered its greatest asset and simultaneously compromised one of its most vital offensive threats. If they wish to avoid a serious relegation battle in the eastern part of Berlin, a revival of defensive solidity is essential.

Can Baumgart, often recognized for his steadfastness, set aside his pride and discard his own changes at least temporarily? With Leite available, he holds one of the Bundesliga’s best center-backs of recent years within his ranks. Even the visibly anxious Tom Rothe would likely appreciate this adjustment.