After the perfect start to the new year with two victories, 1. FC Union Berlin goes into the explosive city derby against Hertha BSC with confidence.

"We want to gild the week on Saturday with a win," said Union captain Rani Khedira, looking ahead to Saturday's game. "We are rightly in second place, that feels wonderful. But we also have to remain humble," said Khedira (28) on Wednesday evening after the 2-1 (1-1) win at Werder Bremen. For the Köpenicker it was the third win in the third game in the Weser Stadium.

With 33 points, the Berliners played the best half-series in their first division history. "33 points after the first half of the season are exceptional," said Union coach Urs Fischer, who therefore wanted to treat himself to "a small beer" in the hotel in the evening. This Thursday, however, the focus should be on Hertha again, which started the new year with two defeats. "Don't dwell on the past too long. We have to be ready again against Hertha," said Fischer.

Information on the Union website