After last year’s pre-season was pushed back due to the Coronavirus pandemic, SC Freiburg were able to get preparations for the 2021/22 season underway as usual at the start of July. A total of 22 players took part in the first team training session of pre-season, which had to take place behind closed doors. “We are happy to be back on the pitch with a ball at our feet,” said Vincenzo Grifo, who was part of Italy’s provisional EURO 2020 squad, but did not end up being selected for the tournament. “It was hard to take for the first couple of days, but I’ve moved past it and will be cheering on the lads from my couch tomorrow night. Right now, I’m also focused on our pre-season," he said. 

Pre-season began with a light session to ease the team back into training, before the real hard work begins. Taking part for the first time were six players that had recently been promoted from the U23s to the first-team squad: Nishan Burkart, Kevin Schade, Noah Weißhaupt, Kiliann Sildillia, Kimberly Ezekwem and Noah Atubolu. “We are excited to see what the lads are capable of,” said a relaxed and newly-married Nils Petersen. “It’s nice that the majority of the team have stayed together. We want to continue to develop and hope that the lads that will join our group will drive up the level of competition.” 

Christian Günter, Philipp Lienhart and Roland Sallai didn’t take part in the session following their return from EURO 2020. Wooyeong Jeong also missed out after being part of selections for South Korea’s Olympic squad. He has been allotted a few extra days off. 

After finishing last season in ninth place, the coaching staff were also eager to get back to work. “It was great to see the lads back on the pitch. The team look highly motivated, and we are looking forward to working with them again,” said Christian Streich. SCF’s first pre-season friendly will take place on Saturday at 15:00 CEST against 1. FC Saarbrücken. Around 3,000 fans will be permitted to attend the match at the Dreisamstadion.