Julian Schuster addressed media on Tuesday evening ahead of Freiburg’s UEFA Europa League final against Aston Villa. A historic night is instore as the German, it seems, is confident that his side can go the distance and lift their first major trophy.
“It’s very special,” he explained. “We’ve recently been in the second division and now are going to play a European final. I have so much confidence in my team, and they give me that belief because there’s so much quality. I’m not nervous, we have the confidence we need to play a great team and a great coach tomorrow.”
Schuster took over from Christian Streich, who left his role as head coach in 2024 after 12 years in charge at the helm, but the Breisgau club found the perfect suitor.
“It’s my personal goal to develop this club and these players further,” added Schuster, who guided Freiburg to a seventh place finish, and thus a European place.
“That is my motivation to get up every morning, because it’s very special to me. My personal goal is to be a better head coach than I was a player.”
But Freiburg’s task won’t be an easy one. They play Aston Villa, who “have an outstanding squad,” according to SCF’s head coach, who commended their harmony on the pitch: “It’s incredible how they work together in such harmony, and they have a clear plan in every individual phase of the match.
“It will be a huge and great challenge for us tomorrow.”
