Manuel Baum: Play more attacking but still defend well

Baum believes his team is well prepared for the game against Union after training hard for two weeks and holding a number of individual and group meetings with the squad. “I was able to combine the physical and mental work well,” explained Baum, who took over as S04 coach on 30th September.

Belief in the players’ abilities

Baum also reported that the players have belief in their own abilities in training again, partly after the 5-1 friendly win over SC Paderborn 07. The team also showed off what they are capable of going forwards that day. “If we have the feeling in the Bundesliga that we can score goals, we won’t be thrown off course if we concede any,” said Baum.

One of the main focus points in training during the international break was the attacking side of the team’s game, despite eight first-team players being away with their nations and therefore having missed large parts of the sessions. Nevertheless, those players who weren’t present were still able to catch up digitally. “We want to be more attacking,” explained the 41-year-old. “We need to play a quick, attacking style of football against Union so that they can’t make it into a real battle.”

Baum also underlined the fact that the side won’t be neglecting the defensive side of the game. “The Berliners are very dangerous from corners and free kicks in the opponent’s half. We need to avoid giving away easy set pieces. Overall, they are a good team and their defence is one of the hardest to face in the league,” said Baum.

Harit returns – trio out

Ozan Kabak is still suspended, while Suat Serdar and Ralf Fährmann are both out ruled out through injury. Amine Harit, on the other hand, is available again after being out with an illness. “Amine is an option for us again,” revealed Baum, although he didn’t confirm if the Moroccan would start or not.

Only 300 fans will attend the game in Gelsenkirchen due to the current infection rate in the city. Some of the tickets will be given to key workers.