Bundesliga
Freiburg tie boss after super first season
Having secured UEFA Europa League qualification in his first season following the legendary Christian Streich, Freiburg are planning for the future with Julian Schuster.
Former Freiburg captain Schuster was a bold choice of successor to Streich after the latter's record-breaking 12 years in charge of the Black Forest side.
The 40-year-old inspired his side to a wonderful 2024/25 campaign, in which they finished fifth - the club's fourth-best finish ever - and secured a return to the Europa League for the third time in four seasons, qualifying directly for the league phase. The club have now announced Schuster's contract has been extended for an unspecified term.
The club's managing director Jochen Saier said: “Julian and his team did some incredibly impressive work last season. Julian brings a tremendous level of expertise and identification with the club. The team’s development is clearly moving in the right direction and there’s a real sense of togetherness. It just feels right. That’s why we’re delighted to have extended his contract.”
Watch: Freiburg win 2024/25 Milka Fair Play of the Season award
Schuster said: “The club and this region mean a lot to me. We have just had a great year and managed to develop a number of good things, not just our final position in the table. I’m delighted to be able to continue working on the team’s development together with my coaching team and the backroom staff.”
Assistant Lars Voßler and analyst Franz-Georg Wieland have also extended their deals.
Schuster's second season in charge will start with a trip to Sportfreunde Lotte in the DFB Cup first round on Saturday 16 August before Freiburg host Augsburg on the Bundesliga's opening matchday on Saturday, 23 August.