Training with Structure and Energy

The three who are particularly present on the pitch are Danilo de Souza, Kevin McKenna, and Sebastian Bönig. Together with Baumgart, they organize the processes of the training sessions, structure the game forms, and provide targeted impulses during the sessions. De Souza sees his strength in foresight: "I try to recognize things early before they happen." McKenna primarily brings intensity. "I want the guys to give their all in every session," says the former center-back. His style is direct, passionate, and often motivating. De Souza, on the other hand, is the quieter type, a counterbalance: "When everyone is loud, loud is no longer important."

Sebastian Bönig is also regularly active in training – he not only leads his own exercises but also works specifically on set pieces, throw-ins, or takes over technical content in game forms. In corner situations, he, like McKenna, is often right in the thick of it rather than just present. The long-time Unioner brings important elements into daily work on the pitch – both professionally and personally, as he knows the club like few others.

The puzzle behind the pitch

Not every assistant coach is out on the field every day. While Bönig, de Souza, and McKenna work closely with the players on the pitch, Adrian Wittmann focuses on analysis behind the scenes. For more than a decade, he has been preparing opponent analyses, developing training content, and coordinating it with his colleague Tobias Droessler. His work is data-driven and strategic – and that is exactly why it is essential for the bigger picture.

Not one for all, but all for one

A good coaching team does not function through uniformity, but through complementarity. Different characters with different focuses ensure that all players can be individually catered to – whether tactically, emotionally, or methodologically. Clear responsibilities are just as crucial as mutual trust and space for individual ideas. Head coach Steffen Baumgart provides this space. “Steffen is optimal because he trusts us and gives us the freedom to contribute our competencies,” says Danilo de Souza.

Also, within the units, the collaboration is evident. One coach takes charge of an exercise, another provides targeted advice, a third supports in detail or acts as a sparring partner. The communication is direct, the coordination close. It’s not just about content, but about timing, tone, and team spirit – both on the pitch and in the locker room after training. What is supposed to work on the pitch must begin behind the scenes.

Quote of the Day: “A good coaching team complements each other in their weaknesses and balances them out, but also needs to challenge each other.” – Danilo de Souza describes the A and O of a good coaching team.

Diary entries at a glance