SC Freiburg Haberleri

“Yannik is one of the kids that came up through our academy,” said sporting director Klemens Hartenbach. “At this moment, it’s the right decision for us to go our separate ways, in order to maybe one day find our way back together again. We wish Yannik all the best and will of course continue to keep an eye on his progression.”

The team will meet up again on 7th July to begin training ahead of the 2024/25 season. As opposed to previous years, the first training session will take place on a Sunday at the Europa-Park Stadion. In this way, as many SC fans as possible will be able to be present for the start of the new season.

“Union were under a lot of pressure and managed to get the win, which is a good outcome for them after a difficult season. For us, today was a very disappointing day, and my last here. I thank everyone sincerely,” said Streich after full time.

Photo: Achim Keller

Eventually, the action on the pitch brought an end to the emotional farewells, as both sides braced themselves for a huge clash in the race to qualify for Europe next season. Freiburg got off to a better start and looked to attack the hosts early on, bolstered by the return of Nicolas Höfler, who missed last weekend’s stalemate with Köln due to suspension. The first real chance of the game fell to Heidenheim’s Jonas Föhrenbach, however. SCF would have their first sight of goal in the 13th minute of the match, with Keitel heading over following a free kick. The hosts would not have to wait long for their next opportunity, as Michael Gregoritsch fired just wide two minutes later.

Photo: Achim Keller

The 50,000 spectators at the sold-out RheinEnergieStadion saw a lively start from the home side, who were in search of three points in their fight against relegation. “Köln came into the game under a lot of pressure due to their league position,” Christian Streich acknowledged. After three minutes, Max Finkgräfe broke through on the left and found Faride Alidou, but he put his effort wide of Noah Atubolu’s goal.

In Thursday’s pre-match press conference, head coach Christian Streich was hesitant to dwell on his side’s chances ahead of the weekend’s clash. When questioned as to how Dortmund’s win has had an impact on his team, the 58-year-old provided a brief response: “It just means that more teams are now in the running.”

There were three changes from the last game against Mainz: Kiliann Sildillia, Roland Sallai and Vincenzo Grifo replaced Lukas Kübler (suspended), Merlin Röhl (injured) and Lucas Höler (bench). SC began brightly and had a triple chance in the fifth minute. Ritsu Doan’s shot was blocked, Michael Gregoritsch hit the rebound off the bar and then Sallai’s overhead kick went over. Gregoritsch had another opportunity four minutes later, however his header was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Koen Casteels, before Sallai’s low drive was deflected wide for a corner (12’).

The two sides find themselves in very different situations in the league table – while the Wolves’ place in next season’s top-flight is yet to be confirmed, SC are fighting for a coveted European place. “If we can win, we’ll find ourselves in a very good position to be travelling around Europe again next season. We’ve had some wonderful trips in the last few years,” recalls Streich.