Back in the relegation battle: Christian Streich (middle) after reaching the final in the DFB Cup (April 19, 2022)
Shortly before midnight, Christian Streich had an alcohol problem. “I might have another glass of wine. But first I have to see where there is another one,” said Streich, exhausted from the cup party with the Freiburg fans. After the confident final at Hamburger SV (3:1) on Tuesday evening, the current high point of his ten-year stint at SC, the coach had a rather vague idea of what kind of wine it would have to be: A “beautiful, dry, good wine. Pinot Gris or something«.
After reaching the final – on May 21 in Berlin – Streich is about to crown his unprecedented career. The seed that he planted himself as a youth coach at SC is now growing. The harvest at the end of the season could be more lavish than ever in Freiburg: In the league, the Champions League is just one point behind, and in the first cup final in the club’s history, the chances are pretty good, if you take the ripped off performance at HSV as a benchmark.
“No, it wasn’t my nicest victory,” said Streich, recalling the many great moments of the club’s juniors, with whom he had already won the cup three times between 1995 and 2011 before taking over the first team in December 2011. And so, despite all the joy, Streich’s thoughts were already revolving around the time afterwards. About the tasks after this almost fairytale season, dealing with the unexpected success, which has already presented other clubs with major problems. “It’s unsexy, but I have the thoughts,” says the 56-year-old. You have to look realistically at what the sports club is currently experiencing. There will also be phases again when things get “very tight”. Up to eight teams could play against relegation each year.
In the next season it could possibly also hit the SC. “Bundesliga is merciless,” said Streich and named the many traditional clubs like HSV, who currently play in the second division: “Things like that preoccupy me.” First, the thoughts of Freiburg go to the coming weekend. “We’re already playing against Gladbach on Saturday,” said Streich. Then it’s about the dream of the premier class. That’s why the cup celebrations wouldn’t be too long and excessive, Streich assured. (sid/jW)
