Staff
1. FC Union Berlin have strengthened their attack by signing USA striker Jordan Siebatcheu, who finished last season as the Swiss Super League’s top goalscorer with 22 league goals. Siebatcheu talks about settling in Berlin, the Union fans and his relationship with Sheraldo Becker.
What is your signature goal celebration?
“My celebration is in honour of the people who I am close to. It is a symbol of unity – whether that be my brothers, my family, my friends, or my wife. It is a way of showing unity. I started doing it in Switzerland. I was going to switch it up in Germany but given people now associate that celebration with me, I have continued doing it. It’s something I do every time I score a goal.”
What relationship do you have with Sheraldo Becker?
“From my first day here at the club, Sheraldo and I became close very quickly. And in the three or four friendly matches we had together before the season, we were always looking for each other. It took us a bit of time to get going but we were talking a lot as well and telling each other where we like the ball to be played. We kept trying and trying – both in the games and in training. We knew it would pay off eventually as we were just missing a few centimetres. So, when I scored against Nottingham Forest, we celebrated together because that was what we had been working on before the match. And then the following week he got another assist. That is the result of our constant communication and our hard work. We are also very close off the pitch, which helps when we play together.”
How would you describe the Union Berlin fans?
“They’re amazing, that’s for sure. I was expecting the fans in Germany to be good before I came. And when I arrived here, everyone told me about the atmosphere at Union Berlin. My first match at home was a friendly – it was my second game. And for a friendly, it was amazing – the stadium was buzzing. And the fans were shouting and supporting us from the very beginning. I had never experienced anything like it. These are fans that truly live for the club and for the team. And in my first match for the club, I had two or three good opportunities that didn’t go in. But they didn’t get on my back – they knew it was my first match and that my efforts would pay off. It’s an extraordinary place to be – the club, the players, the staff, the fans in the stadium and in the city. They come to see you, they talk to you, they wish you good luck. It is amazing. I am truly very happy to be here.”
Why did you decide to come to Union Berlin?
“Firstly, I wanted to play in the Bundesliga. So, I spoke to people at Young Boys and told them I would leave if I got an interesting offer and that my priority was Germany. Secondly, the important thing for me is that I feel good about my club and that our objectives are aligned. To give you a small anecdote – we had discussions with lots of clubs. But one day I called my agent and told him: ‘I want to go to Union Berlin’. He said he agreed and that everything was already in place between Union Berlin and Young Boys. It was the only place I wanted to go. When I told my friends that such clubs were interested in me, they were supportive and told me that it was my decision. My friends were in favour and I had a really good feeling. I am very happy.”
What is Sadio Mane like as a person and as a player?
“I had the chance to get to know Sadio Mane through our mutual friend, Edouard Mendy. He spoke a lot about him. He is a world-class player – whether that’s in training or in matches. He is a big player. And it makes sense that he is getting a lot of attention given what he achieved in England and with Senegal. I like how calm he is as a person. He is grounded and he has earned everything he has today. He works very hard and he deserves everything that he has achieved. He has worked hard to get where he is today and deserves all the credit.”
