Freiburg return from the international break with a club-record ten points from four Bundesliga matches, a sold-out home game against Schalke and the start of their Conference League campaign close behind. Julian Schuster wants his side to resume quickly after the 2-2 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Key takeaways
- Freiburg have scored 12 league goals in four rounds, with nine of them coming at home.
- Yuito Suzuki has four Bundesliga goals already, matching his total from last season.
- Jordy Makengo recorded four assists across his last five appearances after 58 games without a direct goal contribution.
- Bruno Ogbus and Berkay Yilmaz are Freiburg’s only expected absentees against Schalke.
- Freiburg are unbeaten in eight meetings with Schalke, winning six and keeping seven clean sheets.
Schuster protects Freiburg’s dressing-room culture
Freiburg have collected positive markers on and off the pitch. The strong opening has been followed by senior Germany debuts for Freiburg players and record membership figures at the club’s annual meeting.
Schuster used the extended break to prepare for Schalke, but also to reflect on comments from former Freiburg players. He pointed to the value of a dressing room with the right personalities, particularly when difficult internal decisions have to be made.
The coach said Freiburg are among the best in that area. His priority is to preserve the squad environment that has helped the club develop.
He sees a higher standard in the current group, shaped by the club’s growth, outside recruitment and the retention of established players. That depth will be tested now. Freiburg host Jablonec on Thursday in their opening Conference League league-phase fixture, beginning a period of midweek matches and reduced training time.
The extra workload can narrow opportunities for academy players, although Freiburg remain committed to involving their football school graduates. The academy marked its 25th anniversary during the break.
Several U23 players trained with the first team while international football paused. Schuster described it as a useful chance to get to know them better. A senior debut may have to wait, however, with selection competition strong enough that some fit first-team players will miss the Schalke matchday squad.
Ogbus has a muscular issue and Yilmaz is recovering from dental surgery. Every Freiburg international has returned fit.
Goals, Makengo and a wary Schalke assessment
Freiburg’s four-match start is their best in club history. The draw in Frankfurt took them to ten points, while their 12 goals represent another early-season club first.
Suzuki is one of five players leading the Bundesliga scoring chart on four goals. Makengo has also found a new attacking output from left-back. The France-born defender recently made his debut for DR Congo and returned to Freiburg smiling, Schuster noted.
Schuster does not consider the current attacking return automatic, especially against Schalke. He praised the visitors’ collective defensive work and the commitment of their defenders. Schalke’s goalless draw with Bayern Munich was a significant reference point, he said, given how few sides have managed that result in recent months.
The coach also expects danger beyond Schalke’s defensive block. He identified their transitions and set pieces as threats.
Freiburg nevertheless carry an imposing record into Sunday. Their 19 victories over Schalke are more than they have managed against any other opponent. Across the last eight meetings, Freiburg have taken six wins and two draws, conceding in only one of those games.
