Zingler explains Bjelica firing, says Ruhnert will remain with the club

Union Berlin President Dirk Zingler was put on the spot Tuesday as he stood before the cameras attempting to explain why he expressed his "full support" for team trainer Nenad Bjelica on Sunday afternoon. On Monday, Union opted to pull the plug on Bjelica's coaching regime in a bid to avoid relegation. Zingler offered up the difference between a "pledge of loyalty" and a "pledge of support". 

"Naturally the result against Bochum contributed to our decision," Zingler remarked at a Tuesday club press conference, "but reality is always complicated. Sometimes we play well and lose. Other times we play badly and win. It's a matter of confidence and (of course) probabilities. It's a complex decision. In my 20 years in office, I've never made a 'pledge of loyalty' to an employee, because I can't do that." 

Zingler was pressed to make a commitment on the matter of managing director Oliver Ruhnert, whom it has also been rumored will be leaving the club after the current season concludes. Ruhnert - widely credited as the architect of Union's storybook success story - sits on an expiring contract. The 52-year-old has served as the chief personnel boss at the club since 2018, yet only ever extended his contract by one year in recent times. 

Zingler claimed that Ruhnert remains an important part of the front office mix and - for whatever it's worth at this point - announced that Ruhnert would definitely be staying. The executive's contract remains valid thorough June 30th, meaning that he will be left in charge of squad planning as the summer transfer window opens. Zingler did note that Ruhnert might be stepping down afterwards.

"Oliver Ruhnert and we as a club want to and will continue our cooperation beyond June 30th," Zingler said,  "As always, we will discuss after the season in what capacity and how specifically. Perhaps he will remain managing director of professional football or perhaps he will take on a different role."