SC Freiburg – 2025-26 Season Preview: System Over Stars, Consistency Primed

SC Freiburg – 2025–26 Season Preview: System Over Stars, consistency primed

SC Freiburg enters the 2025–26 Bundesliga season as one of the league’s most tactically disciplined and structurally consistent sides. Under long-serving coach Christian Streich, the Black Forest club continues to thrive through collective identity rather than individual brilliance. A strong defensive core, reliable midfield, and a balanced age structure offer a foundation for another top-half finish and potentially a push for European football.

Squad Age Profile

Main Players’ Average Age: 28.0 years

Substitute Bench Average Age: 24.6 years

Defensive Rigidity & Tactical Familiarity

Ritsu D?an (2876 mins) remains Freiburg’s most involved player, linking midfield to attack with his press, Maximilian Eggestein (2855 mins) is key in midfield, responsible for setting the tempo and protecting the back line, Philipp Lienhart and Matthias Ginter (over 5,300 minutes combined) form a veteran centre-back pairing that anchors Freiburg’s low-block and aerial defense strategy, Christian Günter (2324 mins) continues to be a reliable outlet at left-back, overlapping with controlled urgency. Patrick Osterhage (2275 mins) and Noah Atubolu (2308 mins) provide long-term cornerstones in midfield and goal respectively, with Atubolu showing strong reflexes and growing command. Vincenzo Grifo (2454 mins) still provides set-piece precision and playmaking instinct, often drifting from the left into central areas. Lucas Höler and Junior Adamu contribute with vertical runs and pressing, although neither is a consistent high-volume scorer.

Stable Core, Limited Turnover

There were no major departures or disruptions reported across Freiburg’s XI. This continuity ensures structural stability, but also places creative pressure on D?an and Grifo to continually break down opponents especially in matches where Freiburg controls possession. Max Rosenfelder (1245 mins) is transitioning into a more regular defensive role, rotating with Ginter and Lienhart.

Substitutes & Depth Assessment

Eren Dinkçi (1198 mins) is the most impactful attacking sub, offering energy and pressing in wide or central roles, Merlin Röhl, Cyriaque Irié, and Michael Gregoritsch (all under 1,000 mins) rotate in attacking midfield or second striker roles, usually to manage fixture congestion, Anthony Jung (1898 mins) is a reliable left-sided backup who can slot into a back three or as a wing-back, Philipp Treu (2885 mins) and Kiliann Sildillia (794 mins) provide dependable cover at fullback, Nicolas Höfler and Florian Müller offer senior experience but are now situationally deployed, Yuito Suzuki, Igor Matanovi?, and Derry Scherhant remain developmental talents with potential bench impact in domestic cup matches.

Freiburg is among the Bundesliga’s most disciplined teams. In attack, they shift into a 4-2-3-1 with Grifo or D?an operating between lines. Fullbacks (Günter and Kübler) overlap selectively, and Freiburg’s width allows them to play direct when needed—especially when Adamu or Höler lead the line. Set pieces remain a major offensive weapon, with Grifo’s delivery consistently among the league’s best.

SC Freiburg remains the Bundesliga’s model of mid-table excellence. While they may lack the explosive tools to push into the top four, their reliability, tactical cohesion, and set-piece threat keep them in contention for Europa League places.