Union Berlin Are Betting That Jordan Pefok Can Become More Than The Next Taiwo Awoniyi
US striker Jordan Pefok is supposed to replace Taiwo Awoniyi at Union Berlin. However, the Bundesliga club are hopeful that the American will not just be a replacement but an upgrade.
It is an unusual walk from the Bahnhof Köpenick-Berlin to the Alte Försterei, the home of Bundesliga club Union Berlin. The last few hundred meters lead you on a path through a forest; the air is thick with the smoke of the various BBQ stands frying up Bratwurst and serving beer.
The stadium emerges only at the last moment from the smoke; one often hears the ground before one sees it. Die Alte Försterei, built in 1920 and reconstructed with the help of Union fans, is a special place. The name means old forester’s house, and all but 3617 seats are standing only.
It is an unusual venue that makes you quickly forget that you are located in Germany’s largest city. An institution already in the old German Democratic Republic, Union Berlin are the only team in the Bundesliga originating in the former Communist East of Germany. When it comes to football, however, make no mistake, Union have muscled off rivals Hertha to become the centerpiece of Berlin’s football culture.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Gegenpressing Newsletter to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.