SC Freiburg is being held up as a model for sustainable development in the Bundesliga, while other clubs struggle with radical overhauls. Coach Julian Schuster emphasises the importance of patience and continuity for success.
The team from the Black Forest sits top of the table after three matchdays with nine points and a goal difference of 10:1. This strong foundation is the result of evolutionary development, as Schuster explained in a conversation with FAZ Sport. "First of all, it's important to take along what distinguishes the team," said the coach. Instead of a revolution, he relies on careful reforms.
Other clubs are currently showing how difficult a radical style change can be. Union Berlin started under Swiss revolutionary Mauro Lustrinelli with big promises but conceded ten goals in three matches. In Mönchengladbach, coach Eugen Polanski, who spoke of "beautiful, tactically and technically high-quality football" before the season, was dismissed on Sunday. Both clubs currently occupy relegation spots.
The Freiburg coach rejects the idea of imposing a playing identity from the top down. "Fundamentally, we give ourselves time to let new things emerge," Schuster explained. The team has kept its old strengths like clean shifting and precise set-pieces while gradually adding new ideas. This approach is paying off, as shown by the recent 5-0 home win against Borussia Mönchengladbach on September 12th. Igor Matanović scored twice and is the current top scorer with three goals this season.
The fear of relegation often consumes the patience of fans and officials in the Bundesliga. Freiburg proves there is another way. The current form of five consecutive wins and a flawless record validates this course. The next challenge is the away game at ninth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt on September 19th. The SC Freiburg squad is deep and balanced.
Further reading: FAZ Sport
