Six games without defeat, fifth with twelve points and only four goals conceded – this Freiburg interim balance even allows the usually rather pessimistic, relativising and verbally braking SC coach to reach an unusual emotional level – which also offers a good outlook.
When asked about the interim results, Christian Streich began by praising the medical department on Thursday: “Our doctors and physiotherapists are doing an outstanding job. We have few injured and are lucky so far in that respect.” At the moment, only full-backs Jonathan Schmid (after COVID-19) and Kimberly Ezekwem (after muscle injury), who are strained with light build-up training, are certain to be out. The fitness of the recently returned midfield strategist Nicolas Höfler, who had problems with his previously injured metatarsus again in the game against Augsburg, is also questionable for Saturday’s game at Hertha BSC, according to Streich.
Apart from the defensive backs, the 58-year-old currently has at least two quality alternatives available in every position. “We have favourable fixtures and the team is intact. If you continue to be lucky and have few injuries, then you can play a good season. Therefore, I am not worried. “
To introduce young players to the big tasks
And the perspective? “Good,” Streich also said at this point, elaborating, “Because some are already of a certain age, we have to see that young players come along, that we introduce them to the big tasks they will have in the next few years. We are in the process and it doesn’t look too bad. It’s not a bad perspective, I’m happy.”
Unfamiliar tones from Streich, who of course nevertheless pointed out how quickly things could go in a different direction. His example: Hoffenheim 2020/21. “Super squad, then came Corona and injuries. They were unlucky. What kind of season they had last year was brutal.” And at least one small reminder was not to be missed: “I hope that our players, many of whom have been playing in the Bundesliga for a few years, appreciate the situation as it is and retain the hunger to throw themselves into every game as if it were their last. “
I’m in good spirits, I’m happy. We are documenting stability at the moment.
CHRISTIAN STREICH
The upcoming move to the new Europa Park Stadium at the other end of the city in a completely different environment is “a joyful task, but not a small one”. We’ll have to see how things go there. But, and here the positive-minded Streich asserted himself again: “I am in good spirits, I am satisfied. We are documenting stability at the moment. If we can’t score a goal, we won’t get one in difficult games. In Bielefeld we had enough chances, in Mainz not so many. But that’s already positive. We can play several systems.” And since such words rarely cross his lips with such frequency, Streich’s final sentence on the subject should also be quoted, despite redundant content: “I’m really satisfied, in terms of perspective it’s also positive. “
The last duel against Hertha was less pleasing
One can be curious, however, whether Streich will also be satisfied on Saturday evening. Because rarely, but every now and then, the Freiburg team, which is predominantly run and fight-intensive, i.e. unpleasant, is also suitable as a build-up opponent for struggling opponents. This was the case in the last encounter at the beginning of May this year, when SC still had a chance of securing a place in the European Cup and Hertha, who had been isolated for a fortnight because of COVID-19, were in acute danger of relegation. The Berliners won 3:0 against weak Breisgauer, who did not reach their performance limits and also lacked aggression and presence. “That can happen this time too,” says Streich. But he is not counting on it – because he simply has a good feeling at the moment.
