Streich: "We have to be careful that expectations don't skyrocket"
The Breisgau club are off to an unthinkable start, but in usual Christian Streich fashion, he's doing everything he can to divert attention away from his boys.
SC Freiburg remain in the DFB-Pokal, sit 2nd in the Bundesliga and are off to an undefeated start in the Europa League. Along with legendary trainer Christian Streich, Freiburg supporters aren't taking this sensational period of play for granted, as they know how quickly this can all dissipate.
After their 3-0 thrashing over Olympiacos this week, Streich was astounded by the Greek stadium that he's always wanted to visit. But, the 57-year-old knew his team wouldn't be bothered by the home side’s impressive rocket show and he also tried to downplay their huge win:
"On New Year's Eve we are in the street and listen when there's a bang. We weren't on the run. We wanted to play football here and compete in a sporting competition and that's what we did."
"We were better, but Olympiacos weren’t the same as usual. They haven't had good results lately. We know their players are under pressure and there are high expectations at a club like this. Now, four players have been signed on the last day. The team will look completely different in the second leg."
With this superb start, Streich definitely understands that Freiburg have a chance to accomplish things this year they never could have dreamed about in their 118-year history. But, his mantra of only wanting to avoid relegation remains:
"The team is doing extraordinary things, but we have to be careful that expectations don't skyrocket. Because then, after average games, it suddenly asks (the question): What's kicking about then?"
Unlike some, Streich thought his side played extremely well in their 0-0 draw to Gladbach last weekend, as he stated, "I saw a good game against strong Gladbachers. I was almost euphoric, but then I heard other voices who had hoped for more and asked me whether I was on another pitch. You can see in which direction (this) can go."
After over 25 years serving the club in the Black Forest, it's clear that Streich won't be changing his ways anytime soon.