SC Freiburg will send four first-time senior internationals to the Germany squad after Jürgen Klopp selected Philipp Treu, Max Rosenfelder, Yannik Engelhardt and Derry Scherhant.
The Bundesliga leaders have supplied an unusually large group to the national team, and all four players said the call came as a surprise. Klopp pointed to Freiburg’s mentality as the key factor, saying the club’s players bring that quality with them.
Engelhardt, who returned to Freiburg this summer, sees the selections as a product of the club’s recruitment and daily work. “Mentality can be developed, but the club also makes sure to bring in characters who already carry it,” he said. “We do not have the individual quality of Bayern or Dortmund, but we compensate with passion and character.”
Three former U23 teammates together
Rosenfelder, Treu and Engelhardt previously played together in Freiburg’s U23 side. Rosenfelder called their joint promotion to the senior Germany group particularly special and a sign that the club is developing players well.
The 23-year-old centre-back did not expect the call. He has recently been on Freiburg’s bench, with Philipp Lienhart starting ahead of him. Klopp reached him while Rosenfelder was walking his dog.
Rosenfelder now wants to absorb the experience, test himself against the best players and show his qualities. He believes his pace suits a team playing with a high defensive line, while he also backs his ability in possession.
Freiburg coach Julian Schuster said Rosenfelder is fully fit after a strong pre-season and can be used without restriction. Schuster described the choice between Rosenfelder and Lienhart as extremely close, decided by small details. Freiburg’s positive results gave him little reason to alter the side.
Schuster’s message to the Germany quartet
Schuster spoke with Klopp about the four players’ roles at Freiburg. The coach viewed the call-ups as recognition both for their individual progress and for the wider squad.
He told Treu, Rosenfelder, Engelhardt and Scherhant to carry Freiburg’s values into the national setup. Schuster said their attitude, effort and willingness would benefit any team, including Germany.
Treu learned of his selection from his sofa while watching the 2. Bundesliga conference. The right-back wants to show that Germany has capable options in his position.
“I want to show who Philipp Treu from Freiburg is,” he said. “I want to give supporters something with my intensity and my style. I am someone who does not stop and always keeps going.”
Scherhant, formerly of Hertha Berlin, checked the caller’s name and profile picture before taking in the news. “It means everything to me,” he said. “It is more than a dream coming true and feels a little unreal.”
Each player has had only an initial conversation with Klopp. More detailed discussions are expected after Freiburg’s next Bundesliga fixture, away to Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday at 15:30.
Engelhardt expects Klopp to demand an intense game, with running and work both on and off the ball. He believes that approach is one reason Freiburg have four players in the squad.
