Soccer-Struggling Union Berlin sack Bjelica, appoint Grote as interim coach

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v Bayer Leverkusen - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - April 6, 2024 1. FC Union Berlin coach Nenad Bjelica before the match REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

(Reuters) - Union Berlin have sacked Croatian manager Nenad Bjelica and named Marco Grote as their interim coach, the Bundesliga club said on Monday, after a winless run left them hovering one point above the relegation zone.

Union had appointed Bjelica as a replacement for Urs Fischer in November last year when the side was reeling in 17th place. They are now 15th after four defeats in five matches with two games remaining.