Bundesliga team introductions: Freiburg sign four players with Bundesliga experience and prepare for Europa League

Traditional Bundesliga team, which was very visible last season, when they defeated many favourites. After a very successful season, Freiburg qualified directly for the Europa League group stage. But can they cope with the loss of Schlotterbeck, who was the best defender in the entire Bundesliga?

The management team

The coaching team around Christian Streich remains unchanged. Streich, Baier and Voßler have been working together for more than a decade and there is no reason to change given the good results.

The only change in the team was Florian Bruns, who joined the main three five years ago when he left Bremen.

According to Transfermarkt, all but Streich were due to be out of contract at the end of June this year. Freiburg have not made any official statement yet, so we can assume that we will see them all next season.

Goalkeeper

Mark Flekken remains in the number one position, having played almost all the league games last season. After a successful season, he also got his first invitation to the Dutch national team, where he played two matches in the Nations League.

His back is covered by Benjamin Uphoff, who already got two chances in the Bundesliga when Flekken got a coronavirus. The 20-year-old Atobulu is still waiting for his chance.

Defence

Matthias Ginter has returned to the team after five seasons at Gladbach to fill the gap in central defence following the departure of Nico Schlotterbeck. Next to him we will most likely see Philipp Lienhart. In case of injury, they will be complemented by Keven Schlotterbeck, Manuel Gulde or Kiliann Sildillia.

On the left side of the defence, captain Christian Günter is operating. On the right, Lukas Kübler and Jonathan Schmid will fight for their place in the starting line-up.

Backup

Whether Streich decides to play 343, 4231 or 4222, he will always play with two defensive midfielders. The first is Nicolas Höfler, who has been with the club since youth. Together with him, Maximilian Eggestein will defend.

As an offensive midfielder, Freiburg bought Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, who dragged St. Pauli through the ranks last season.

Attack

In attack, Christian Streich now has a lot more alternatives, which gives him more options on how he wants to build his team.

Left winger Vincenzo Grifo has no competition in the team and it is safe to assume that we will see him in every game again. In case of injury, youngster Noah Weißhaupt can fill in for him.

On the right, the situation is completely different. Rolland Sallai, Ritsu Doan and Kevin Schade will fight for their place in the starting lineup.

The spike forward position is far from decided, so maybe Streich will choose to play two forwards. Among the candidates are Lucas Höler, Kevin Schade, Wooyeong Jeong, the ageless Nils Petersen and of course summer signing Gregoritsch. Another option could be Rolland Sallai, who can play everywhere.

The ideal line-up

Flekken
Kübler – Ginter – Lienhart – Günter
Doan – Eggestein – Höfler – Grifo
Sallai – Gregoritsch

Ranking tip:: 5th place

Source: Transfermarkt