Christian Streich has bid farewell to SC Freiburg after 13 years in charge.
Streich was appointed in December 2011 and has gone on to manage nearly 500 games for his beloved Freiburg.
Yesterday, it ended in tears.
After a last gasp winner for Union Berlin that secured their Bundesliga survival, Streich was in no mood for celebrating as his side finished outside the European qualification places.
It brings the curtain down on a remarkable era, where Streich has brought Freiburg from the cusp of 2. Bundesliga relegation to the highs of Champions League football.
After his final game, Streich struck a forlorn figure but graciously spoke to Get Football.
It is an emotional time
With Freiburg missing out on European qualification, four points off Hoffenheim in seventh and winless in his final five games, Streich was apologetic to the fans.
“At the moment I’m just extremely disappointed in myself I’m sorry to the players, to the fans.
It is an emotional time now for me. We didn’t manage to win the game, we didn’t manage to finish 8th and I’ve not managed to give the last impetus to the next coaching team and that’s how it is now.
This day today, the last day for me as a coach at SC Freiburg, is the ultimate disappointment for me.”
A sensational journey
The defeat dropped Freiburg to tenth but after an extraordinary career, Streich reflected on what has been an exceptional experience.
“The fact that we haven’t won a game in the last few weeks is unbelievable. I have to take the blame for that [but I’m] very touched.
I have worked with countless players over the years. I can’t even summarise it, it was exceptional, to experience a promotion, it was a dream.
It has been a sensational journey.
I experienced so many great things here together and that’s why it’s a shame that we haven’t managed to do more and it has ended like this. It’s exceptionally disappointing right now to see it any other way.”
What next?
Streich received a standing ovation from all four sides of the Alte Försterei as he departed the stage yesterday and said he was “touched” by the fans.
Reflecting on his experience, Streich said he knows it was the right decision and now has time to reconsider what the future holds.
“I have no concerns whatsoever about what comes next, that I’m exactly in the right place.
I’m very happy with the decision to stop. It was exactly the right decision.
I’m happy about it at the moment, but basically I realised that if I was allowed to decide my future, that it would be a gift.
I have had an unbelievable time.”
For those associated with Freiburg, that time has been unforgettable.
Now, Streich can enjoy his rest.
GGFN | Oscar O’Mara
