Freiburg were handed a tough set of opponents in the UEFA Conference League league phase draw, as the results from the opening matchday have already shown. Of SC’s remaining opponents, only FK Kauno Žalgiris failed to win their first game. AS Monaco were among those to get off to a winning start, beating CSKA Sofia 2-1 away from home thanks to goals from their strike partnership of Ansu Fati and Paris Brunner.

Julian Schuster considers Monaco, who sit fifth in Ligue 1 but are level on points with leaders Olympique Lyon, to be “one of the best teams in the competition”. “They’re a club with a rich history who have produced some big names over the years, including Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappé.” Monaco’s Stade Louis II is currently undergoing renovation work, reducing its capacity to around 10,500. The away end will be packed with 800 travelling Freiburg fans.

Lienhart misses out on Monaco trip

Sunday’s game in Leverkusen was a physically demanding encounter, and Freiburg face a busy run of midweek fixtures before the November international break. The coaching staff have therefore decided to leave Philipp Lienhart at home to manage his workload. “Our experience over the past few seasons has shown that it helps to focus primarily on the next game. At the same time, we always have to consider how much football each player has played,” explained Schuster, hinting that he could make changes to his starting line-up. “We’re in a position where we can bring in some fresh legs if we need to.”

Substitutes Vincenzo Grifo and Keisuke Goto played decisive roles in the 2-1 win over FC Schalke 04, with Grifo setting up Goto for the winning goal. Freiburg will be hoping their strength in depth can once again prove a key factor in Monaco. “We have several options when it comes to rotating the squad and making adjustments, depending on what we’re up against,” said Schuster.

The trip to the Principality is a special one for Jordy Makengo. The 25-year-old took his first steps in football in France before joining Freiburg five years ago, so he knows Monaco well as a club with a rich history. “I’m happy to be here,” said Makengo. The left-back was in the starting XI the last time Freiburg visited the Côte d’Azur. Almost a year ago, SC beat OGC Nice 3-1 in the UEFA Europa League, just 25 kilometres from Monaco’s home ground.

Photo: SC Freiburg