Freiburg fans will likely have watched the highlights of last weekend’s 6-0 win over Gladbach a few times over the past few days. Six goals in 37 minutes from six different goalscorers secured the club’s highest-ever Bundesliga victory – a result that will live long in the memory. For head coach Christian Streich, however, the feeling was more that of relief after a run of three defeats. “The win was extremely important and did us good. I don’t think everyone is expecting it to go on like that now.”

For the team, the focus was quickly switched onto the next game and upcoming opposition, TSG Hoffenheim. “We are coming up against an extremely flexible team who are very versatile and often change their basic formation,” said Streich.

Sebastian Hoeneß's side are in fantastic form and go into the game on the back of three consecutive wins. Saturday’s clash will see fourth-placed Freiburg host their league table neighbours in Hoffenheim, who occupy fifth. “It will be a very difficult game, but we’re also doing well. The intesntiy will be very high. I’m expecting an attractive and eventful game,” said Streich, who is expecting a “50-50 game.”

Unfortunately, the Europa-Park Stadium will be almost empty for the game, with only 750 fans permitted to attend. Even after one and a half years of playing behind closed doors, the weekend’s game will be an unusual one which the coaching team will talk about with the players to ensure they “get a feel for the situation and the kind of atmosphere.” However, Streich does not believe that the situation will hinder his team from performing well. “We’ll also be playing for the fans who can't be in the stadium.”

Yannik Kietel will miss out against Hoffenheim with a muscle strain, while Kimberly Ezekwem will play with the second team after a lengthy spell out with injury. Jonathan Schmid has returned to team training and is making progress after contracting coronavirus, but will not feature on the weekend.