In terms of the approach for facing SC’s next opponents Heidenheim, Julian Schuster is clear in his thinking. “People like to look to Heidenheim when talking about having a clear structure and consistent squad,” said the Freiburg coach. “It’s remarkable to be able to keep it up despite notable departures. We need to ensure the German football system stays as it is so that such success stories remain possible.”

Of the 41 teams that SC have encountered in the Bundesliga, Heidenheim are the only side that Freiburg are yet to beat. In the 2015/16 season, which was the last time that SC played in Bundesliga 2, they took all six points from the two clashes between the neighbouring clubs.

Frank Schmidt’s side have started well this season despite an increased workload through their unexpected qualification for the Conference League. “They are never to be written off. In Dortmund, they were trailing 2-0 but then in the blink of an eye were right back in the game. Thankfully for us, that made us aware of the threat they pose, due to their unity and belief,” as Schuster described the Heidenheim approach.

2,000 SC fans will offer their support in Heidenheim

A total of three former Freiburg players currently wear Heidenheim colours. Julian Schuster has a strong connection to not only Jonas Föhrenbach, but also Marvin Pieringer and Maximilian Breunig. “I played alongside ‘Föhre’ and the other two I was a youth coach for. It is great to see that they have made the step up to the Bundesliga.” 2,000 SC fans will travel to see their side take on these familiar faces from a sold-out away end at the Voith-Arena.

Freiburg will have to do without Merlin Röhl for their second away trip of the season, after he sustained an injury to the syndesmosis ligament in his ankle in the 2-1 win over VfL Bochum. “Losing Merlin hurts because he is a confident player who can be a game changer,” said Schuster. “It was a stroke of luck that nothing around the syndesmosis ligament was torn and he was able to avoid an operation, which means a shorter recovery time.” There was also positive news in the week of the 22-year-old’s early contract extension.

The injury to the midfielder offers Schuster the opportunity to grant others more playing time. “We have good squad depth. Competition for places creates focus and leads to better quality in training.”

In this week’s training on Achim-Stocker-Straße ahead of the meeting with a resolute Heidenheim side, who often have less of the ball than their opponent, focus was placed on possession-based drills. “It is our aim to control the game and have as much possession as possible,” said Schuster. “We have enjoyed a good week of training and now just want to get the boys on the pitch, as they are ready to go.”

Photo: SC Freiburg