Streich prepared to bench Höfler after nightmare outing
A Freiburg regular may have to take an leave of absence after multiple mental lapses last week.
After making an astounding three defensive errors that resulted in goals against Leverkusen on Sunday, Freiburg trainer Christian Streich hinted that he would give midfielder Nicolas Höfler a break from first team action.
"His errors will have direct consequences," Christian Streich told the assembled press corps on Thursday when asked about his 30-year-old midfield mainstay, "It's natural undisputed that he played a major role in the goals through his mistakes. Had they been tactical errors (as opposed to technical errors), it would be a different story."
The ordinarily upbeat Streich struck a somber tone at the presser, noting that his team's recent performance could potentially lead to "depressing days ahead". The 55-year-old left open whether Höfler would remain in the starting XI on Saturday against Leipzig.
"We have to decide whether to leave him on the field or give him a break," Streich said. While emphasizing that "no final decision has been made", Streich acknowledged that giving Höfler some time off may be "the right thing to do."