Freiburg overperformed this season, finishing 8th. They never got close to the relegation zone and were even competing for a Europa League spot until short before the end of the season.
The good record was mainly the result of a great start into the season. Freiburg only lost two of the first twelve games. In the table, they stayed on a Champions League spot until the 13th round.
Moreover, they delivered impressive results against top-6 sides as they drew vs Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Dortmund, while beating Gladbach and Wolfsburg.
On the road, however, Freiburg let several points slip away. They only won half as many away games as home games while drawing three times as much on the road.
Moreover, their playing style, while often efficient, remained minimalistic throughout the season. Their attacking game remained half-baked. Consequently, Freiburg jointly scored the fewest goals among all teams from the table’s top half.
Freiburg’s good performance was mainly carried by their seasoned coach Christian Streich and their well-attuned squad, that had unexpectedly stayed together after a decent season 2018/19. Additionally, individual players such as top scorer Nils Petersen selectively contributed decisive performances.
Freiburg’s hopes to keep their winning squad together are optimistic as promising players such as Schwolow, Koch and Waldschmidt are in high demand. Thus, Freiburg might face another season of fighting relegation despite being spared the additional burden of a European competition.
