Maybe that’s why, after one of the best seasons in Freiburg’s Bundesliga history and the thrilling run in the cup, which was only stopped in the final, Streich seemed almost relaxed after the game – and above all: proud. “Look there, people. Crazy,” he told his team in a circle after the final whistle, pointing to the crowd of fans. And: “Losing against such a great team on penalties is okay.”
“I can’t ask for more”
Freiburg had already shown during the course of the season that there was another way: SC had played three times this season against RB, including the cup final – and did not lose three times after normal time. “What more should I ask of the team? I can’t ask for more,” said Streich about the performance of his team.
But he didn’t want to show off the medal for second place. “I can’t wear any accreditations either, it ties my throat,” explained Streich in a way that is so typical of him.
Streich wouldn’t be a prank if he hadn’t looked ahead right after the cup final. Sixth-placed Freiburg will play in the Europa League next season, and they’re looking forward to that, but “then those incredibly exhausting Bundesliga games will come again,” groaned the 56-year-old, joking: “I’d prefer to only play cup finals all the time.”
In order to be proud of your team, you don’t even need a win.