Football Season Guide

Young coach Julian Schuster had some big boots to fill after taking over from previous boss Christian Streich, but his first season in charge proved to be a good one. Freiburg finished an impressive 5th and qualified for the Europa League, there will be a tinge of disappointment though, having squandered a chance of a top-four place on the final day of the season. The added games in Europe can often affect league form, especially for clubs with limited resources like Freiburg. It also doesn't help that key winger Ritsu Doan has left to join Eintracht Frankfurt. This is not to say Freiburg haven't spent money this summer in trying to boost the squad. Burkino Faso winger Irie could prove to be a good replacement for Doan on the right, while Suzuki, Scherchant, and Matanovic should all make them stronger in the attacking department, something that was lacking last season. Having been relatively solid defensively under Schuster last season, not a lot was needed in this area. Right-back Sildillia has left to join PSV, but the signing of Treu from St.Pauli is a shrewd replacement. Consistency over a long season will be the challenge for Freiburg, but overall they look more than competitive again for the upcoming campaign.