SC Freiburg got off to a decent start in the Europa League season. Now FC Utrecht comes to the Breisgauers. Coach Julian Schuster warns about the opponent.
SC Freiburg got off to a good start in the Europa League season, but the Breisgauer fans are under observation after pyrotechnic incidents.
Before the home game against FC Utrecht on Thursday (9 p.m.), coach Julian Schuster hopes that the supporters in the south stand will “literally not let anything go to waste,” said the coach.
“We emphasize often enough how important our fans are, that’s why we need every single one of them. It’s a great privilege to be able to play in front of a sold-out house every four days,” said Schuster. “That’s why we should all be warned not to take any risks in this regard.”
Lienhart relies on the power of the SC fans
At the 2-1 opening win against FC Basel Freiburg supporters had set off massive pyrotechnics. UEFA then imposed a fine and a suspended partial block bane.
“It’s important for us to have full ranks – you’ve seen what kind of force we can unleash,” said defender Philipp Lienhart.
Ex-Bundesliga professional Haller as a guest
The sports club goes into the game against the eighth-placed team in the Eredivisie, where former Bundesliga striker Sebastien Haller plays, as favorites. Utrecht has lost both of its previous league games 0-1. Freiburg is on target after the win against Basel and the 1-1 draw in Bologna.
Nevertheless, Schuster treats the Dutch with respect. “This is a team that defends very well and is very variable,” said the SC coach. “At the same time, you can also see the typical Dutch training. There are a lot of guys there who can really kick very well.”
Utrecht comes to Freiburg as an underdog
This is how the Europa League season is going for SC Freiburg
Schuster will still have to do without midfielder Patrick Osterhage, who is out due to muscular problems. However, the 25-year-old could be ready for action again by Sunday’s league game (3:30 p.m.) at Bayer Leverkusen.
Broadcast on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 6:00 a.m., SWR Aktuell in the morning, SWR Aktuell
