News Focus
- 1.FC Union Berlin need a new head coach after Marie-Louise Eta announced her summer exit.
- German media report five candidates are under consideration for the Bundesliga post.
- Horst Steffen and Christian Eichner are the frontrunners for the position.
- Swiss manager Mauro Lustrinelli has impressed after leading FC Thun to the title.
- André Breitenreiter and René Wagner remain outside options for the Berlin club.
1.FC Union Berlin are searching for a new manager. Marie-Louise Eta will leave the club when the current season ends. The Bundesliga side have now drawn up a shortlist of five possible replacements.
According to Sport Bild, the Berlin club have identified their top targets. Christian Eichner appears to be a leading candidate. The 43-year-old will exit Karlsruher SC this summer after spending more than six years with the second-tier outfit. Sources suggest discussions between Eichner and Union have taken place over recent weeks.
Horst Steffen represents another strong option. The 50-year-old previously worked at Werder Bremen. He has also attracted interest from 1.FC Köln, which means he faces a decision between the two German clubs.
Mauro Lustrinelli has caught attention following an outstanding campaign in Switzerland. The 50-year-old guided newly-promoted FC Thun to a surprise championship victory. This remarkable achievement has put him on the radar of several European sides, including Union Berlin.
René Wagner currently serves as interim manager at Köln. However, the club might not offer him the permanent position. If Köln look elsewhere, Wagner could become available for the Berlin vacancy.
André Breitenreiter completes the list of names. The 52-year-old last managed Hannover 96. He maintains a good relationship with Union’s sporting director Horst Heldt from their time together at Hannover and Schalke. Despite these connections, reports indicate his chances of landing the job remain slim.