Marvin Friedrich has discussed his return to Union Berlin and his targets for the new season. The centre-back gave an interview to MSN Germany this week, outlining his motivation for the coming months.
Friedrich returned to Union Berlin from Borussia Mönchengladbach this summer. The 30-year-old previously defended for the club from 2018 to 2022. "I want to collect as many games as possible," Friedrich said in the conversation. He emphasised his readiness to fight for the team and contribute.
What does the return mean for the defence?
The signing of Marvin Friedrich significantly bolsters Union Berlin's defensive depth. Manager Nenad Bjelica now has more options at centre-back. Friedrich brings experience from over 100 Bundesliga appearances for the Iron Ones. His physical presence and aerial ability are well-known qualities.
The current squad shows that, alongside Friedrich, Robin Knoche and Danilho Doekhi are established central defenders. Competition for places is high, which should drive the performance of all involved. Friedrich's contract runs until the summer of 2027, giving the club planning security.
What does the current season schedule look like?
Union Berlin starts the new Bundesliga season this coming weekend. The first opponent is SC Freiburg. The full schedule for the first half of the season can be found on our fixtures page. For Friedrich and his teammates, an intense period begins now.
The team aims to find stability again after a turbulent previous year. The return of a familiar face like Friedrich can help create a trusted atmosphere. His knowledge of the club and its standards is an advantage.
What role will Friedrich play in the squad?
Marvin Friedrich sees himself as a team player who wants to serve the side. His stated goal is to spend many minutes on the pitch. Whether he immediately starts in the first eleven will become clear in the coming training sessions and friendlies.
Last season's statistics, available on our stats page, highlight the need for defensive consistency. Union Berlin conceded 58 goals in the Bundesliga. Strengthening the defence was therefore a logical step in the transfer window. Friedrich's tackling rate and duel strength will be needed.
What are the next steps?
Preparations for the season opener are in full swing. For Marvin Friedrich, this means quickly adapting to manager Bjelica's tactical ideas. Integration is going smoothly as he is familiar with the club's structures.
The upcoming tasks are clear. First, the aim is to get off to a good start in the league. In parallel, the team is preparing for the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage. A look at the current standings shows the ambitious environment. Friedrich's return is an important building block to achieve these goals. His experience and attitude will be valuable in the long season with many competitive matches.
