- Schuster's first adaptation: in the stadium closer to the SC fans
SC Freiburg's new coach Julian Schuster wants to be closer to the home fans during the club's Bundesliga matches. "One thing we will definitely do differently in future games is switch sides with the bench in our stadium. This way, we'll be closer to the South Tribune. That closeness to the fans is important to me," Schuster, who succeeded cult coach Christian Streich, told Kicker magazine.
The former captain had previously been working as a talent coordinator. Schuster has now been officially in charge for over a month and is happy about his move into the limelight.
Schuster, 39, never had any doubts about the step up to the Bundesliga. "Of course, there are arguments to say that starting with a youth team would have been more logical. But in the pro-licence course, you learn every tiny detail about yourself. And you feel: Am I ready for such a task?" Schuster said. "I felt ready and got the corresponding feedback. So, when this opportunity came up, I was ready for it."
Schuster would consider his debut season successful if his players "bring our shared idea onto the pitch in as many games as possible. And if the people in the stadium afterwards say: We can identify with this football – that's why we'll get the next Bundesliga season ticket for next season."
In his strategy for the club's future Bundesliga matches, Schuster mentioned, "We will switch sides with the bench, ensuring a home game where we're closer to the South Tribune." Furthermore, expressing his hopes for success, Schuster stated, "I want our debut season to be one where our players embody our shared idea on the field, resulting in home games where fans say, 'We identify with this football, so we'll buy a Bundesliga season ticket for next season.'"
