Freiburg (dpa / lsw) – Christian Streich and SC Freiburg are usually not known for the really big sounds. Before the home game on Saturday in the Bundesliga against FC Bayern Munich (3.30 p.m. / Sky), the words of the coach sound more researched than usual. “We’ve always managed to score points against Bayern,” Streich said on Thursday. “It is not a matter of course that you are so close. We want to be able to face them on an equal footing in the game as often as possible. We also have a claim on ourselves and that hasn’t decreased due to the constellation.”
However, Streich refuses to draw any conclusions from the past games. Even before the international break, he explained that football and mathematics had nothing to do with each other. “Bayern lost 5-0 to Gladbach and we won 6-0 in Gladbach. If you do the math, we should win 11-0,” said the 56-year-old. “Then we go into the game with the goal of winning 10-0. Because the results speak for it.”
Of course, he didn’t mean those words seriously. With a coup, the Freiburg may very well flirt. They are unbeaten in six games. As fifth in the table and semi-finalist in the DFB Cup, they also have the great opportunity to be back in the European Cup for the first time in five years.
Since failing in the third round of qualifying at NK Domzale, the team under Streich has continued to develop. This is underlined by the numerous national players who were out and about during the international break. Nico Schlotterbeck celebrated his debut for the German national team. Mark Flekken scored for the Netherlands for the first time, while Roland Sallai scored for Hungary. “They did well and I’m happy about that too,” said Streich, who will certainly miss only Yannik Keitel (toe surgery) and Kevin Schade (abdominal muscle injury).
On the one hand, the appointments are an honor for the coach. On the other hand, he would have liked more players in the units before the game against the league leaders. “We thought a lot about it theoretically, but couldn’t try and rehearse much. It wasn’t a regular training week and that’s not good for preparing for a game against Bayern, who have brutal individual quality,” said Streich.
That’s why it’s also about keeping calm when you own the ball. “We mustn’t get nervous just because a Bayern shirt is running towards us,” warned Streich. “First of all, it’s just a jersey. It’s clear that there’s a lot of quality in it. But we mustn’t let ourselves be impressed.”
The venue, which was sold out for the first time, gives hope. It’s nice not having to stare at concrete anymore, but finally being able to see people again, said Streich. He insists home advantage will be the key factor in beating Bayern for the first time since 2015.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:220331-99-745850/7
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