At the end of the third of sixth consecutive multiple games weeks, Freiburg are taking only the only team in the Bundesliga who remain unbeaten away from home. The team have found it tough-going against Werder Bremen, who currently sit in ninth place, in the past, drawing both games against the side in the last season Bremen were in the Bundesliga (1-1 draw in Freiburg and 0-0 in Bremen).

Ahead of the two teams’ next meeting, with Freiburg’s last win over Bremen being a home win on 17th February 2018, Christian Streich demanded of his team that, “the basics have to be there. When we play on the edge and the fans are behind us, then we have a chance to beat Bremen.”

The SC head coach also praised the Freiburg fans after the emotional 2-1 win in the DFB-Pokal against FC St. Pauli, where there were two last minute goals from Matthias Ginter and Michael Gregoritsch. “The supporters helped us so much on Wednesday. We have not always played well, but the team has been achieving brilliant results for a number of months. We need fans who are forgiving of us making mistakes. The win was not entirely unconnected to the crowd.” Even better then, that the Europa Park Stadium will also be sold out against Werder.

Ginter remains a doubt

Matthias Ginter scored against FC St. Paul in the 93rd minute despite a head injury and later picking up an ankle injury, as well as providing the assist in the 119th minute for Michael Gregoritisch’s winning goal. He remains a doubt to play on Saturday, even if there is no structural damage in his ankle. The Freiburg coaching team will decide in the near future if he can play: “His health is the most important thing. He will only play if he is fully fit.”

Roland Sallai, Manuel Gulde and Jonathan Schmid will also definitely miss out against Werder. Sallai took part in speed runs with the team on Friday morning, while Gulde (back problem) and Schmid (muscular problems) worked individually with physiotherapist Uwe Vetter. “Manuel will probably be able to rejoin team training on Tuesday,” said Streich.

“I wouldn’t have managed it at that age.”

Having had a season last season heavily shaped by injuries, Yannik Keitel has recently appeared in the starting eleven twice within a week and assisted the all-important equaliser against St. Paul with a precise cross. Christian Streich paid his respects to the player in his press conference ahead of the Bremen match, but not just due to his most recent contributions. “He does everything properly: preparation, post-match work, nutrition. If you do that then eventually you will get your rewards. It is a great character trait to be able to get through hard times. I wouldn’t have managed it at that age.”

Michael Gregoritsch has also had phases in his career where it has not gone as well as it has in the last few weeks. Since his competitive debut for Freiburg in the DFB-Pokal against 1. FC Kaiserslautern, the powerful attacker has already scored eight times in 16 games, and wants to add to this success against Werder. “We want to win at home, that is our aim. We are looking forward to it.”

Photo: Achim Keller