FC Union Berlin and their head coach Urs Fischer are going their separate ways with immediate effect, reports the club's website.

After gaining promotion to the Bundesliga in their first season together, the team then confidently stayed in the top flight. In the following three seasons, Fischer then led the team to seventh, fifth and fourth placed finishes, qualifying for the UEFA Conference League, Europa League and ultimately the Champions League competitions for the first time in the club's history.

"I recently made it clear that Urs Fischer is an outstanding coach, and I remain absolutely convinced of that,” explained Union president, Zingler, on the joint decision. “His personality and his successful work have characterised our club in recent years and opened many new opportunities for us. In the five and a half years that we have worked together, we have developed a respect and trust for each other that has enabled us to always exchange ideas openly and honestly. Together, we have now come to the conclusion that the time has come to take a different path."