Union Berlin's recent run of form under head coach Steffen Baumgart can only be described as phenomenal, marked by a series of critical victories in the 2025 season. Baumgart's ingenious approach to utilizing his bench players has been a game-changer, transforming the team's dynamics and securing crucial points. This resurgence highlights not just his tactical acumen but also his ability to instill a collective spirit that transcends individual talent.
The impact of Baumgart's substitutions was vividly displayed in a 3-1 triumph against RB Leipzig on Matchday 14. Key players like Christopher Trimmel and Andrej Ilic, who provided assists, and Tim Skarke, who netted a goal, turned a stalemate into a decisive win. Their contributions were instrumental in overcoming a strong opponent. Following this, an away victory on Matchday 15 was also sealed by another late introduction from Baumgart, Andras Schäfer. This pattern continued into Matchday 16, where Woo Yeong-Jeong and Marin Ljubicic, coming off the bench, helped Union secure a draw against Mainz 05. Such consistent influence from substitutes suggests that these results are far from mere chance.
While fortune always plays a part in sports, the recurring success derived from Baumgart's bench selections points to a deeper strategy. Interestingly, Skarke, Jeong, Schäfer, and Ljubicic each scored their first and only goals of the season during these pivotal matches. This is particularly noteworthy for players like Jeong and Ljubicic, who were previously considered underperformers or transfer disappointments. Their sudden impact underscores Baumgart's unique ability to unlock potential in players who were either underutilized or seemingly forgotten, breathing new life into their careers and the team's performance.
Beyond player management, Baumgart has also implemented significant tactical shifts. He moved Union Berlin away from Urs Fischer's long-standing ultra-defensive 3-3-2-2 formation, a change that many coaches had struggled to achieve. Instead, Baumgart has adopted a more aggressive 3-4-3 setup, often transitioning to a 4-3-3 later in matches to intensify offensive pressure. This strategic flexibility has clearly been effective, enabling the team to create more scoring opportunities and maintain momentum throughout games. Baumgart himself has frequently highlighted the crucial role of his substitutes in post-match conferences, emphasizing that their collective effort is what truly defines the team's success.
Baumgart consistently underlines the importance of the entire squad, stressing that success is a collective achievement rather than solely dependent on the starting eleven. He acknowledges that the moral and mental fortitude of the team are reflected in how effectively substitutes integrate and perform. This philosophy fosters an environment where every player feels valued and motivated, contributing significantly to the team's overall quality and resilience. The commitment of both starters and bench players, giving their all for the team, has been pivotal in transforming Union Berlin's season and setting a new, positive trajectory for the club.