1. FC Union Berlin’s goalkeeping coach, Michael Gspurning, is to make his knowledge and expertise available to the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) taking up a similar position for their international side, whilst continuing in his current role in Köpenick.

Gspurning will be the successor to Robert Almer, working under ÖFB team boss, Ralf Rangnick. During his leave with the Austrian national team, the Graz native will be replaced by Union’s youth teams coach, Niklas Knezevic. Knezevic has already worked with the first team in previous seasons, deputising for Gspurning during UEFA Europa Conference League and Europa League matches to work with the non-nominated goalkeepers.

Gspurning signed for Union in 2016, having earned three caps for Austria's national team, and has been coaching Union’s keepers since his career ended in 2017.

"I would like to thank 1. FC Union Berlin for making this commitment possible for me," said  Gspurning, looking forward to his new sideline. "Personally, I am very happy to be back with the national team and look forward to working with the team and the staff. One highlight will certainly be the qualifications for the European Championships in Germany next year."