Freiburg (dpa / lsw) – Christian Streich can empathize with the players. Your own, but also your opponent’s. It was and is undoubtedly an exciting week for SC Freiburg. Just four days after their coup in the DFB Cup quarter-finals in Munich, Baden will meet FC Bayern again in the Bundesliga on Saturday (3:30 p.m. / Sky). That was a “special constellation”, explained SC trainer Streich on Thursday. Of course, this 2-1 win didn’t leave his protégés cold. And of course he understands the frustration of Bayern professional Jamal Musiala’s reaction, which caused a stir.
“It’s important that we remember what helped us in Munich, that every single player goes into the tunnel for himself,” said Streich about the quick reunion with the record champions. “I can imagine that if you win against Bayern and nobody expects it: Then you have to make sure that you don’t spend three quarters of the day on social media because everything that’s there is so great.” It’s important to keep your head clear. After the first away win against Bayern, they were able to win again at home for the first time in almost eight years.
Freiburg want to defend their place in the Champions League, Munich want to lead the table in a long-distance duel with Borussia Dortmund. After the dream of the triple title burst under their new coach Thomas Tuchel, Bayern should be looking for compensation. He doesn’t expect an aggressive opponent, but one who is focused, says Streich. “I don’t think they come with anger in their stomachs. It’s gone,” said Freiburg’s coach. The Bayern players are not used to losing often. “And when they lose, they’re extremely focused on winning the next game.”
This also applies to national players Musiala. Bayern’s offensive man had refused to shake hands after the cup game and thus provided a topic of conversation. Streich himself protected the 20-year-old. “I know exactly how I am and I know exactly how I was at that age,” said the Freiburg coach. Losing a game like that after causing the decisive penalty as a substitute is “the most logical reaction,” said Streich.
He still wants to accept the jersey promised by Musiala when they meet again. “I don’t collect jerseys, but every now and then I get one as a gift,” said Streich. He was also “almost a bit embarrassed” that he sometimes asked about it himself. “But I do that for the kids – there are no jerseys hanging in my bedroom,” emphasized the coach. Two or three would be in the closet with his bike gear. Streich did not reveal whether the Musiala shirt would end up there or with his son or another child. It will be exciting on Saturday one way or another.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:230406-99-234478/3
