Freiburg (dpa) – Even after almost ten years, SC Freiburg wants to continue working with coach Christian Streich for a long time. “He helped shape the club, but was also shaped by him. I would like the story to go on for a few years and not yet be told,” said sports director Jochen Saier in an interview with the German press agency.
He continues to experience the 56-year-old at the Breisgauer as “fresh and happy at work,” said Saier before the start in the Bundesliga with Arminia Bielefeld on Saturday (3:30 p.m. / Sky). Streich’s inner “drive to continue working in detail, to want to make the boys better and to invest a lot” is part of the secret of his success. “He still has that. If it weren’t there anymore, it would be difficult too,” says Saier.
At the turn of the year, Streich will be celebrating his ten-year service as head coach of the sports club. He can rely on a well-rehearsed team away from the field. Because he, the 56-year-old sports director Klemens Hartenbach and the 43-year-old Saier have been working together at the sports club for significantly longer than ten years, albeit earlier in other functions.
“We, but also the entire coaching staff, are a collection of different types and qualities – and if they have a real cooperation, then it can be good,” said Saier. You have “extreme trust” in each other. But that’s not why they would go on vacation together, because: Those who spend so much time together are happy when there is a little distance.
The fact that the cooperation with Streich has lasted so long despite the temporary relegation and a one-year stay in the 2nd Bundesliga 2015/16 says a lot about SC Freiburg. And there are even more people on the Dreisam who stand for continuity – not least Captain Christian Günter.
The 28-year-old left-back once came from the Freiburg football school and, as a professional, “added something year after year,” says Saier. “His example also shows that you can become a German national player here too.” So why should he leave the club, “when you have everything you want and need here?” Saier asked.
Even with the currently injured Nils Petersen, the manager believes that he will remain in Freiburg, even if the 32-year-old striker’s contract expires in 2022. “Nils’ story with us is also a special one, we are in dialogue and are closely connected with one another,” said Saier.
What is new for the Freiburg team is that, unlike in previous years, they did not have to give up a regular this summer, apart from goalkeeper Florian Müller (VfB Stuttgart). Nevertheless, the club wants to strengthen itself in one or two positions – if possible with a powerful attacker with a strong header.
The traditional season goal of staying in class will not be given up despite the tenth place last season. “We have a group that can hurt almost any team on a good day. But the truth is that we can have problems against any opponent on a bad day,” said Saier.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210813-99-824713 / 3
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