Head coach Christian Streich’s side set off for France on Wednesday afternoon, with Manuel Gulde included in those players making the trip. He had been taken off with a knock against Borussia Dortmund last Friday, with Streich saying at the pre-match press conference that “It could be the case that he’s able to play tomorrow.” Merlin Röhl, who is set to sit out the final match of his two-game ban in the Bundesliga this weekend, is available to feature on Thursday evening.
SC captain Christian Günter is looking forward to what will be his first appearance in the Europa League this season, having been sidelined for several months with injury. “I’m really looking forward to being able to play again and that the lads put in some strong performances in the group stage. I hope that I’ll be able to make at least one or two appearances – or more, hopefully – in the Europa League this season,” said Günter.
A tough side to beat at home
RC Lens are currently in sixth place in Ligue 1, having finished third just behind PSV in Group B in the Champions League and dropping down into the play-offs as a result. The side performed well in their previous appearances on the European stage this term, even beating eventual group winners Arsenal 2-1 at home. “I’ve watched some of their games and they are one of the top teams in France,” said Streich.
Günter also emphasised that Lens will be a “tough opponent,” before adding “We showed last year that we have what it takes to compete at this level. We also know that we will need two top-notch performances in order to progress.”
Praise for the Lens fans
Lens come into Thursday’s match on the back of a 3-1 win against Racing Straßburg at the weekend. When asked about what he wants to see from his team, Streich said “It’s about showing a different side to ourselves than we did in Dortmund. We didn’t manage to transition well and will now need to deliver a far better performance in order to come out on top here.”
In addition to coming up against a strong opponent, Freiburg are also preparing for the home fans to generate plenty of noise. “When Jonny Schmid was still at the club, we often spoke about the French league,” said Günter. “He told me that the best atmosphere is in Lens. We can definitely expect a fiery reception there.”
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