Union Berlin coach Urs Fischer signs new contract

The Swiss coach's contract was due to expire at the end of the current campaign, but Union announced on Wednesday that both Fischer and his assistant Markus Hoffmann would be sticking with the league's surprise early pacesetters.

"Urs Fischer is an excellent coach who, together with the entire coaching team, has led us into the most successful sporting phase in our club's history," Union president Dirk Zingler said when announcing the news.

"There was never any question of not continuing our successful cooperation for any of us. I am very pleased that Urs Fischer and Markus Hoffmann will remain Unioners in the coming years."

Watch: How Union became surprise Bundesliga leaders

Fischer took charge at Union in the summer of 2018, and the 56-year-old led the east Berliners to a first promotion to the Bundesliga at the end of his first season in charge.

They comfortably stayed up in 11th in 2019/20 before qualifying for Europe by ending the next season in seventh.

Union were fifth last term - qualifying for the UEFA Europa League group stage in the process - and they also reached the DFB Cup semi-finals.

Fischer's side have continued to defy expectations this season. They lead the table after seven games and are the only team in the top division that has yet to taste defeat.

"What we have been able to experience together over the last few years is incredible," Fischer said after agreeing to stay on. "I think we can still achieve a lot on this journey together, and I'm looking forward to being part of the club's continued development."

Among the keys to Union success this season have been US forward Jordan and his striker partner Sheraldo Becker.

Becker was named the Bundesliga's Player of the Month for August and is the leading scorer in the top flight with six goals to go with three assists. The speedy Suriname international has made clear that Fischer is one of the main reasons why he both signed a new contract in the summer and is playing so well.

"He helped me a lot," Becker told German sports magazine kicker this week. "Not only on the pitch but also off it.

"I'm here in Berlin because I can play football. But that's not all it's about. I have to work hard and take care of my body. He helped me to internalise that and get a little better every day. That's another reason why I extended my contract."

Fischer and Becker will look to continue their dream start to the campaign when Union visit Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.