The match will kick off at the Schwarzwald-Stadion on Sunday at 18:00 CET. Baden-Württemberg’s current Covid-19 measures mean that the game has to take place behind closed doors. 

The gap to the relegation play-off and the first direct relegation spot is currently 13 points. However, this fact hasn’t been the main talking point at the Schwarzwaldstraße this week. Instead, the team has been more concerned with the current string of less than positive results. 

“We can be pleased with the season so far, but we’re extremely ambitious and want to play well. We haven’t managed that enough lately,” said Christian Streich. The defeats to Union Berlin (1-0), Leipzig (3-0) and Mainz (1-0) were all “lacking something, to be honest,” Streich added. “Of course the games against Mainz and Union could have ended 0-0, but that’s not the result we’re after. We want to score goals.” 

Something that the team managed in their 2-1 win against Bayer Leverkusen at the end of February. “Our goal is to have a successful season, like last year. That would be great,” said Streich. SCF can take another step in this direction on Sunday, when they host FC Augsburg. “We need to dig deep now, because we will be up against a very tough opponent on Sunday. Augsburg are well-organized, tend to play compact, have a defined style of play and can make tactical changes. They are also very disciplined, have good players and speed,” said Streich. “It would be good if we’re extremely focused going into the game.” 

SC Freiburg are currently in ninth place with 34 points, while Heiko Herrlich’s side sit in 13th with 29 points. Most recently, FCA - who have former Freiburg players Rafal Gikiewicz, Florian Niederlechner and Daniel Caligiuri on their books - beat Mönchengladbach 3-1. 

“If we beat Augsburg, then we’d be in a good spot. We need to fight so that we maintain our stability as a team and get back to playing the way we’ve proven we can this season,” said Streich. “How much energy will we be able to bring to the pitch on Sunday? How willing are we to give it our all, even in those moments where things aren’t going to plan? That’s what it’s about.” Streich will be able to call upon the same players as last weekend ahead of Sunday’s home game. 

Photo: Achim Keller