Freiburg vs. Heidenheim preview: Streich’s final home game
| Christian Streich. | Photo: Steven Schaap, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Freiburg
It will be an emotional affair at the Breisgau club, as trainer Christian Streich is saying goodbye after nearly 30 years at the club. There will be a celebration after the game with free drinks and music, celebrating Streich and retiring assistant trainer Patrick Baier’s accomplishments.
Freiburg aren’t in great form and really need points to close out the season to win the tight battle for the European places. At 7th, they control their own destiny to secure a 3rd straight season of Europa League football.
In his presser, Streich mentioned, “For us, there is a lot at stake in terms of sport. In the last two games we can make the season, in which we fought so hard, into something really special again.”
Team News
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Kenneth Schmidt, Matthias Ginter, Philipp Lienhart and Merlin Röhl are out with injuries. Kiliann Sildillia is suspended for the rest of the campaign. Streich confirmed that Nicolas Höfler will start alongside Maximilian Eggestein in midfield.
Heidenheim
Heidenheim are very much in the battle for the European places and sit just three points behind the Breisgau club. It would be an incredible accomplishment for Frank Schmidt’s men, who were seen by many as a relegation favorite to start the season.
The big loss this weekend is that Tim Kleindienst is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Meaning, Marvin Pieringer should lead the front line with Kevin Sassa likely playing in an attacking midfield role.
Schmidt commented, "We are well aware that the people of Freiburg want to give their coach a proper farewell gift at home and we have to be prepared to stand up against it. - (Streich) stands for something, he is different and I like that. It will be difficult to replace Christian.”
Team News
Kleindienst is suspended and Marnon Busch is injured.