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Berlin (dpa) - 1. FC Union Berlin will not get rid of the stimulus word European Cup anytime soon.

Even after the 2-2 draw against VfL Wolfsburg, coach Urs Fischer and manager Oliver Ruhnert tried everything to avoid being suspected that the Europa League or even the Champions League could be a realistic goal for the Iron.

“I don't use that word in my mouth,” Fischer made it unmistakably clear again in the ZDF interview.

A little later, in the “sports studio”, Ruhnert could not be lured into the multiple verbal trap.

"If it were over, it would be a sensation," said the managing director of fifth place in the Bundesliga, which would bring the Berliners to Europe as a surprise team, but after 34 and not after 15 match days.

As a warning, Ruhnert identified his ex-club Schalke 04, which in the preseason after 15 games with 28 instead of 25 points as Union was now in fourth place and was then in danger of relegation due to its negative run.

"We have the clear goal of tackling game by game," emphasized the 49-year-old.

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The game against Wolfsburg also offered Fischer indications of a lack of maturity.

After the goals from Sheraldo Becker (29th) and Robert Andrich (53rd) Union was in the lead and was outnumbered by the red card for Maximilian Arnold, but gambled away the possible victory.

“This is what we have to look at.

You have to learn from such phases for the future, ”demanded Fischer.

Slowly, however, the Köpenickers are also becoming implausible by sticking to the goal of staying in class.

There are many facts in favor of Union.

The iron are unbeaten in seven home games in a row.

No team has lost fewer games so far (2).

Only league leaders Bayern (46) scored more goals (31).

No game has been lost against any opponent from the upper half of the table.

The Wolfsburg goals by Renato Steffen (10th) and Wout Weghorst (66th / penalty) did not change anything.

This series will now be put to the test again next Friday against third-placed Bayer Leverkusen.

“We're not going crazy.

The team can take it easy and focus on the game and is there on point.

And we need that on Friday too, ”said central defender Robin Knoche.

Fischer and Ruhnert like exactly this attitude.

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For the competition, however, Union has long been a candidate for international claims.

"I think they can stay in the region for longer," said Wolfsburg coach Oliver Glasner.

Information about the game on the Bundesliga homepage