Even five days on from SCF's 2-1 win against Leverkusen, the good mood is yet to die down. "Things are good for us. We're in a good spot at the moment. Who would have thought that we'd have 34 points already by matchday 24? It's sensational, it's a great feeling," Christian Streich said during a virtual press conference on Thursday. "The overall situation at the club has changed, and there's less pressure."
The pressure is lower than in previous years, when Freiburg frequently had to deal with the stress of a relegation battle right up until the end of the season. "Everyone feels a bit lighter, when you don't have that pressure," Streich said. However, Freiburg will not be easing off just yet, as they are not yet mathematically safe. "We need to be careful that we don't lose focus. Our preparations haven't changed: the intensity is there but it's a bit different because we have a few points more. It's a bit less intense, but it's not a feeling of ease. If we go in feeling too comfortable, then we have no chance against Leipzig," Streich said.
Freiburg will be up against a top side when they face RBL on Saturday. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann's side have lost just three games all season, along with 15 wins and five draws. They currently have 50 points and sit just behind league leaders Bayern. On Wednesday evening, Leipzig beat another top team in Wolfsburg to advance to the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal (2-0). Next week, they also have the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 match against Liverpool to look forward to (2-0 defeat in the first leg).
"We're up against a very physical, quick and talented team. We're ambitious and are looking forward to playing against such a side. It could be the case that we don't have 70 or 50 per cent possession, but that's not a defining factor. The question is whether we can match Leipzig's speed and precision," said Streich. "We need to play like we did against Leverkusen, while also taking it up a level. Then, we'll have a chance against Leipzig."
Streich's side have done well in their last three home games against RB Leipzig, winning 2-1 twice and 3-0 on one occasion.
SCF will be without Mark Flekken (rehabilitation) on Saturday, while Yannik Keitel took part in limited training during the week due to adductor issues. Philipp Lienhart, who was taken off with dizziness against Leverkusen and underwent subsequent checks, has returned to team training along with Changhoon Kwon (rehabilitation).

Sina Ojo

Photo: Susann Friedrich