By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- The UEFA Champions League appears to not be Union Berlin's favored competition for good reason.

Failing to create a turnaround, the struggling side suffered its third defeat in the campaign's third outing, with hopes to proceed to the next round now dashed.

The mood around the Berlin club has plummeted as the 1-0 defeat against Italy's reigning national champion Napoli not only exemplified Union's general downward trend but came on the heels of narrow losses to Real (1-0) and Braga (3-2) in the dying minutes.

Mired in a sporting crisis, the team under coach Urs Fischer conceded its ninth consecutive defeat, and short-term solutions seem elusive.

Media talk circulates about the team losing its balance due to squad changes, and discussions arise regarding the club being ensnared in what's termed the "Champions League trap."

The addition of international quality by signing experienced players such as former Juve star Leonardo Bonucci, former Inter defender and German international Robin Gosens, and David Fofana on loan from Chelsea, appears to have disrupted the side's balance.

While team spirit, willpower, and an unorthodox game approach had been the club's hallmark over the past years, Union currently seems caught in a state of disorientation.

The decline in the national league and unfortunate losses in the Champions League have ignited a controversial debate about the future of coach Fischer.

"I expect that we keep calm and deal with the situation maturely," the Swiss manager said.

Fischer described a tricky situation as "things develop in a certain dynamic as always for a coach losing games."

While fans continued to offer support, the team's morale seemed fragile.

Unhappy faces marred the evening at the Berlin Olympic Stadium while David Datro Fofana refused to high-five his waiting coach after being substituted. The Ivorian striker apologized for his action the following day, but Fischer announced "serious talks" on the issue are to follow.

Italian experts have voiced growing dissatisfaction with Bonucci having to accept being placed on the bench in most games.

Although Union's performance provided a glimmer of optimism, the series of misfortunes continued. Janik Haberer's 1-0 was called offside followed by Napoli's winning goal.

The upcoming league game against Bremen this Saturday is nearing a do-or-die scenario, and Fischer is facing the challenge of keeping optimism for a turnaround alive.

Cornerstones such as team captain Christopher Trimmel and midfielder Rani Khedira backed their coach by stating that the Swiss enjoys the team's trust.

"We did a good game, but now need to create good results in the league. Most important was the way we played despite the painful loss," Trimmel said.

Khedira emphasized the team needs Fischer's qualities as a coach.

The Swiss manager, who took over Union in 2018, triggered an unprecedented upswing, elevating the side to the first tier and the Champions League. Enditem

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