Union Berlin and head coach Urs Fischer part ways

The decision comes with Union on a run of 14 games without a win, which includes 13 defeats, stretching back to September. The weekend's 4-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen saw the Köpenick club drop to the bottom of the table.

Since taking over in July 2018, Fischer made history with Die Eisernen, first guiding them into the Bundesliga for the first time ever in 2019 before continuing the year-on-year improvement with finishes of 11, seventh, fifth and then fourth last season.

Fischer therefore took the Berlin club from the second division into the UEFA Europa Conference League, Europa League and ultimately the Champions League, as well as guiding them to first place in the Bundesliga for the first time ever during the 2022/23 campaign.

"Urs achieved extraordinary things at Union and took the club to a whole new sporting level. I'd like to thank Urs for his commitment and always respectful and trustworthy work together," said sporting director Oliver Ruhnert in the club's official statement.

Fischer added: "The last few weeks have taken a lot of energy. We've tried a lot, the team has expended a lot, but it hasn't been repaid in results. I'm very grateful for the trust I've felt at all times here. But still, it feels right for a change now. Sometimes a new face helps a team.

"I got to know and appreciate an extraordinary club in Union. It's really lucky to have experienced this extreme style of support. I wish Union only the best and am confident they will stay up."

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