Union striker David Fofana refuses to shake hands after his substitution. Later he apologizes. Coach Urs Fischer announces a talk.

Union Berlin striker David Fofana has apologized to his teammates and coach Urs Fischer for his behavior after his substitution. “This gesture was not intended and in no way represents my attitude. All this came out of frustration because I wanted to continue helping the team to achieve a positive result,” the Ivorian wrote on Instagram after the 1-0 defeat to SSC Napoli in the Champions League.

Fofana had walked past Fischer after his substitution in the 70th minute without making eye contact or shaking hands, which visibly annoyed the Swiss. Later, general manager Oliver Ruhnert talked to the attacker on the substitutes’ bench. At the subsequent press conference, Fischer had announced a conversation with Fofana.

Captain Christopher Trimmel did not want to overestimate the incident. “Such situations with David also happen in soccer,” said the Austrian. “What’s important is how he reacts to it. Whether he apologizes or not.”

European champion Leonardo Bonucci, who sat on the bench for 90 minutes on Tuesday, is also said to disagree with his situation, according to Italian media reports – Fischer said he was “surprised” by this, because he had “spoken to Leo this week. Of course he is unhappy, I hope everyone wants to play,” Fischer said diplomatically, and the decision in central defense for the recovered Robin Knoche was “not so wrong.”

In addition to the sporting situation, Fischer now has to moderate sideshows at the Köpenickers as he goes through the most difficult phase of his five-year tenure. “I already believe that we keep calm within the club and approach the whole thing in an adult manner,” Fischer said, “That this takes on a certain dynamic, that’s logical, I have to live with that as a coach. But I can handle it well.”

Already on Saturday (3:30 p.m./Sky), the next task awaits the reeling Köpenicker at Werder Bremen, who must continue to wait for their first point in their premiere in the top flight. “We have to digest another neck blow, but I’m convinced that we’ll manage that this time as well,” Fischer emphasized.