A strong trio - Expertise and analysis with foresight

Alongside head coach Ailien Poese are two central figures in the coaching team of 1. FC Union Berlin: Sabrina Eckhoff and Simon Falke. A well-rehearsed trio that has grown even closer together during the training camp. The distribution of tasks is clear but flexible: Sabrina Eckhoff takes on a lot of active coaching on the pitch, maintains close communication with Poese, and immediately incorporates her experience into the training process. Simon Falke complements the team with his analytical perspective: he is responsible for opponent and game analysis, works with video recordings, and prepares both the team and individual players specifically for upcoming tasks. At the same time, he also takes small groups on the pitch and implements individual training content. Daily work in the coaching office is characterized by close coordination, open communication, and a high level of trust – a collaboration that provides the team with structure and clarity. “Ailien, Simon, and I are a small coaching team and operate on a true all-in-one principle. Everyone takes on a lot of responsibility; we think and work as a unit,” says Sabrina Eckhoff.

Structure & Coordination – The athletic team with a clear plan

The athletic support is in the hands of Marcus Liebig and Bao Nguyen. The former is responsible for training management of the fit players – from the pitch to the gym and fine-tuning the overall workload. He is in constant communication with the rest of the coaching team to coordinate content as effectively as possible. Bao Nguyen primarily takes care of the injured players and designs individual sessions – both in strength training and on the pitch. Each rehabilitation process is different and requires high flexibility. “Every player has her own weekly plan, which we adjust depending on progress,” explains Nguyen. On days with higher loads, he also keeps an eye on the entire group and contributes his expertise strategically. The close collaboration between the two athletic coaches ensures that each player receives exactly the support she needs.

Two posts, one line – Goalkeeping with precision

“My goalkeeping group is excellent. We have a strong level, high intensity, and the girls are fantastic,” says goalkeeper coach Alisa Vetterlein, who leads the sessions with a lot of experience and noticeable passion. The content of the goalkeeping training here in Marienfeld hardly differs from the daily routine of the team: “The structure remains the same, the sequence is the same, only the environment is different.” The getting-to-know each other within the group is intensive and ensures a quick, trusting collaboration on and off the pitch.

Return to Wolfsburg – With a new role in a familiar setting

For Sabrina Eckhoff and Alisa Vetterlein, tomorrow's game against VfL Wolfsburg is more than just a sporting challenge. Both are returning to an old workplace – with new tasks, in new colors. The anticipation is palpable, the connection remains: “It's a special feeling – so familiar, yet at the same time entirely different,” says Eckhoff. Vetterlein also looks forward to the match with excitement: “I am happy to see many familiar faces – and to show with our team what we have been working on in recent days.” For us, the Wölfinnen are an opponent at the highest level and therefore a valuable benchmark to gather insights and realistically assess our own developmental stage.

After the free afternoon, there was a healthy and nutritious dinner that replenished the energy reserves. The evening was spent by the team together in a sociable circle to wind down the day relaxed.

Quote of the Day: “If you write it like that, I will sue you.” - Antonia Halverkamp smiling to a communications staff member.

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