Christian Streich emotionally embraces a swift player.
Christian Streich, the beloved coach of SC Freiburg, was overwhelmed with emotions during the team's recent home game. Since taking over in 2012, he has brought joy and excitement to football fans across Germany with his unique approach.
As the emotional send-off reached its peak, Streich once again demonstrated his compassionate nature. A fan rushed onto the field to get near him, but was blocked by a steward. The coach helped the crying fan back up and hugged him for a few seconds. This moment was just one of many heartfelt scenes during the farewell celebration - even if Streich didn't want to make a big deal of all the posters, gifts, chants, and T-shirts.
"The audience was very kind, so I clapped back at them because they're amazing too," said Streich with his characteristic humility after the 1:1 draw against 1. FC Heidenheim. "I just want to say a big thank you for everything." He concluded the evening of his 195th Bundesliga home game with his family by his side. "My sister and parents are here, then we'll have dinner and a glass of wine together," he said: "It'll be nice out in the garden."
"You'll never really leave. Thank you for everything!"
Since 2012, Streich has given the Freiburg fans many unforgettable moments. The community showed their appreciation with a standing ovation from both the Heidenheim players and fans. Streich was cheered as the "best man" by the Freiburg supporters, who held up a large cardboard figure of their "legend" in front of the curve. The players donned shirts that read: "You'll never leave like this. Thank you for everything!"
After a brief speech, Streich stood in front of his corner with tears in his eyes and took a bow. The fans applauded enthusiastically, with the stadium resounding with the sound of the Rolling Stones. There was a banner that read: "Thank you for all the years full of passion, attitude, and humility." Next week at Union Berlin, the coach will formally say goodbye after 12 and a half years as the head coach and 29 years with the club.
"He's a bit unusual, he has a different style," gushed Vincenzo Grifo. "He's not just a coach. He also cares about people. Soccer can be ruthless, but he knows each player on a personal level. You have meaningful conversations with him, so you gain a lot of trust."
"It's a joke"
Streich is considered "an extraordinary overall package," according to sporting director Jochen Saier. Streich's special quality lies in "the combination of objectivity, empathy, and humanity, along with the sharpness and clarity when it matters in the locker room." The players expressed their gratitude for what he has done for the club, saying, "We would have loved to send him off with a win because we know he would have appreciated it the most."
However, Streich couldn't fully savor his farewell after goals from Ritsu Doan (29') and Nicolas Sessa (38') handed them their second point loss in a row. "It's a joke," he remarked: "I'm going home feeling like we've missed out on two points again." The coach is determined to make the most of his final trip to Europe next Saturday.
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Source: www.ntv.de
