SC Freiburg won their test match at Karlsruher SC with 2:1 In the meantime Christian Streich had to intervene loudly
In the absence of the internationals, SC coach Streich sent on a number of second-tier players from the start, one of whom immediately got on the scoresheet: Burkart headed in a cross from Haberer for the early lead (7th). “The early goal was absolutely consistent and logical, we didn’t really find our way into the game,” said KSC coach Eichner after the final whistle. Although his team had a great chance to equalise shortly afterwards through Kother (10th), Freiburg clearly set the tone in the first half and had further promising chances through Sildillia (15th), Grifo (17th), Haberer (19th) and Burkart (22nd).
Therefore, the second Freiburg goal was deservedly scored after half an hour by Kübler, who started on the unaccustomed left side – which did not prevent the right-back from making it 2-0 after a fine pass from Keven Schlotterbeck (31st). “That was good. He has improved his footballing skills, plays more offensively now and has already scored against Augsburg in the league,” said Streich, praising the goalscorer. Another background to the “change of sides”: the 19-year-old Sildillia should get 90 minutes on the right side, which he had already occupied in the 1-1 draw against Leipzig in the league, when, in addition to long-term absentee Schmid, Kübler had also been absent due to an infection.
16-year-old Sihlaroglu provides a boost
Immediately after Kübler’s goal, Eichner already made four changes, bringing on young centre-back Irorere (“He does some things really well, in other situations you still notice his age”) and newcomer van Rhijn (“That was very decent of him, he speaks a lot and does the team good”).
After the change of ends, Eichner’s team had its best phase – also thanks to the only 16-year-old Sihlaroglu, who was substituted at half-time and immediately introduced himself with a good opportunity (49th). “You didn’t notice any difference between him and the other players,” Eichner praised. Another home-grown player was responsible for Karlsruhe’s second goal shortly afterwards: Kother initially failed to beat Uphoff after a solo run, but then headed in Wanitzek’s corner to make it 1:2 (54th).
Streich’s intervention pays off
After another KSC attack shortly afterwards, Streich became loud on the touchline, giving his two sixes Eggestein and Haberer unmistakable commands. “Max, get that organised. Janik, line up properly and play again,” the head coach demanded. And indeed: Freiburg regained control of the game, acted with a much better structure and hardly allowed any chances for Karlsruhe. Instead, Grifo (57th), Leopold (81st) and Haberer (90.+1) had further opportunities to increase the lead for the Bundesliga club. “We should have played out some situations better,” said Streich, also with a view to the first half.
Overall, the SC coach was satisfied with his team’s performance. “I always see something when I watch the boys play and I can gain insights from that, but of course you can’t overestimate it,”,who have barely featured so far this season, are again picking up minutes of action.
Praise for talents Burkart and Weißhaupt
“They were totally committed, they put themselves out there, they want to win, they work hard, I’m totally satisfied with that,” Streich said of the two defenders. The 56-year-old was also pleased with the performances of the two attacking talents Burkart and Weißhaupt, who were promoted to the pros in the summer: “Nishan did well up front, fought back, ran an insane amount and started well,” was Streich’s verdict on Burkart. Weißhaupt, who was absent from the national and third league squads of the SC at the weekend due to an infection and therefore cancelled his trip to the U-20 national team, sometimes had problems with access in the direct duels, but Streich also saw “good footballing actions” in him.
All in all, the coach of the third-placed team in the Bundesliga saw “a good test against a good KSC team. Some of the boys now have 90 minutes in their legs again. That is important. After the regeneration unit on Friday, the SC professionals will have a weekend off and another day off next Wednesday, before they are called upon again on Sunday in the home match against Eintracht Frankfurt.
