Freiburg’s second week in a row with two games began perfectly with a 3-0 away win against Olympiacos in the Europa League. That victory now means that SC have six points from six so far in Group G. “We’re really happy tonight. We played brilliantly,” said Michael Gregoritsch, who scored twice, after the game.

SC are enjoying life right now, as the club are top of the group in the Europa League and second in the Bundesliga after six matchdays. Head coach Christian Streich is obviously pleased, but was quick to stress that the team have a long season ahead of them. “We have to keep being ourselves. The lads are performing brilliantly right now, however we can’t allow our expectations to become too unrealistic.” The 57-year-old went on to describe the next match at Hoffenheim as “an extremely tough game.”

TSG in good form

Streich’s statement is backed up by Hoffenheim’s position in the table. TSG, under new coach André Breitenreiter, have enjoyed a strong start to the season. Although they are not in Europe this year, they have been in good form in the Bundesliga, collecting just one point (12) fewer than SC as they sit in fourth. “Hoffenheim will be a totally different kind of opponent to Olympiacos. They are a really hard team to play. They have quality up front and a strong defence,” praised Streich. “A successful trip to Hoffenheim would be a real statement. I’ll be impressed if manage it.”

Just three days will separate the win in Greece and the game in Sinsheim this Sunday. Midfielder Nicolas Höfler also believes that it will be “a tricky task.” Höfler and his coach were both in agreement when they said that the players would need to recover quickly and get a lot of sleep, especially because Hoffenheim will be well rested having not played in midweek. “We will have to see how far our legs can carry us,” added Streich.

Doan a doubt                                                                        

Freiburg will definitely be without Roland Sallai (eye surgery) and Lucas Höler (rehabilitation after foot operation), while Ritsu Doan is also a doubt after suffering a knock to his foot in Greece. “We may well change the team again for Hoffenheim. We will have to see how the lads are before the game,” commented Streich.

Photo: Imago