The season run-in is upon us. SC are looking ahead to the final two Bundesliga games of the season, against Union and Bayer Leverkusen (MD34) – two direct rivals in the race for Europe. Following last weekend’s win against Hoffenheim, SC are guaranteed a place in an international competition next season, but the question of which one it will be remains.

Nico Schlotterbeck will definitely be playing Champions League football next season, after announcing his move to Borussia Dortmund this past week. “Of course we are pleased for Nico and hope that his development continues down the same path it has taken so far. However, he will continue to give it his all for us in the remaining games,” said head coach Christian Streich. Heading into Saturday’s game against Union, Streich isn’t looking at what results SC might need to qualify for a certain competition. “We are happy with where we are currently. However, I don’t want to spend time calculating which result would be enough for us to qualify for a certain competition ahead of the game. That makes me nervous. I don’t want to hear that all we need is a draw to qualify for the Europa League. I don’t want to be nervous; I want to be relaxed.”

Up against one of the best defences in the league

Last weekend, SC guaranteed themselves European football next season, however, Streich wasn’t entirely happy with the result. “We can’t be satisfied with our performance in Hoffenheim. We made it far too easy at times for our opponents, even if we did well in attack. At the moment, we have that necessary bit of luck that you need to win a game.” This weekend’s opponent will also pose a tough challenge. “You have to be patient and keep trying against Union, in order to be successful,” said Streich, while also praising their defence: “Union have what is probably one of the best backlines in Germany. Their discipline and organisation in defence is exemplary. They always have the same routine, but they have perfected it to the point where it’s incredibly difficult to beat them in possession. We believe that we can do it, however.”

Streich kept his cards close to his chest, but revealed that “We enjoy preparing for every opponent in a way that leaves us free to play in a variety of formations and where we don’t have to decide at the start of the week already how we will play.” Kevin Schade (stomach muscle injury), Noah Weißhaupt (shoulder injury) and Yannik Keitel (foot injury) will all miss this weekend’s match.

Photo: Annegret Hilse