Bayern Munich head coach, Thomas Tuchel, like many observers, acknowledges the recent challenges faced by SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga. Despite their success in the Europa League against Lens, SC Freiburg, commonly referred to as Die Breisgau-Brasilianer, has encountered difficulties in their domestic league. With one draw and four losses in their last five Bundesliga matches, their performance has been notably underwhelming.
However, Tuchel remains cautious and refrains from assuming that his own team will have a straightforward encounter in the upcoming match in the Black Forest.
“They are very flexible, very variable and play very intensively. They have (Ritsu) Doan on the right who is very strong at dribbling — (Vincenzo) Grifo on the left tries to be dangerous with crosses. They’re tactically very flexible. They also use a lot of long balls with up to seven offensive players. We need answers, we will prepare the team for that. In Freiburg it is always emotional. We have to find solutions.”
However, Tuchel is also cognizant that this match serves as a prelude to a significantly more consequential event—the upcoming Champions League encounter against Lazio scheduled for Tuesday. Lazio currently maintains a 1-0 advantage having emerged victorious in the initial fixture of the tie.
“The match takes place before Lazio. It’s a completely different match. The best preparation for one match is a successful performance. We have to take it up a notch. We managed a little uptick against Leipzig, which has given us energy. I’m confident we’ll win tomorrow, but it’ll only happen with full focus. It’s always difficult in Freiburg,” Tuchel said.
Amidst heightened stakes, Thomas Tuchel remains undeterred by the recent revelation of his impending departure from the club at the end of the season. The significance of the ongoing proceedings remains paramount to the head coach.
“It’s not less pressure, the pressure comes from within, I put it on myself. You know that you work at the highest level. I expect myself to withstand it. It’s about the here and now, the training and The meeting is the next steps. Of course we’re trying to win every game and achieve our goals. We know our situation in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. We have to do everything we can tomorrow and deliver it. All our energy has to go there.”