Former captain Julian Schuster to succeed Christian Streich as
Since retiring in 2018, 38-year-old Julian Schuster has remained a crucial figure at the club and will now transition to the dugout from his current position as Freiburg’s coordinator for the academy, reserves, and first team.
He will take over from Christian Streich at the end of the season after the legendary 58-year-old announced earlier this week that this campaign will be his last, concluding his 12-year tenure leading the first team in the Black Forest.
“Over recent weeks, we thoroughly evaluated several internal and external candidates to succeed Christian Streich. After this process, we confidently chose Julian Schuster. His expertise, character, and deep alignment with SC Freiburg’s philosophy and values were key factors in our decision,” said managing director Jochen Saier regarding the appointment.
Julian Schuster follows in the significant footsteps of the iconic Freiburg coach Christian Streich, stepping into the role at the season’s end. Saier added, “Over the past six years, he has done valuable work with our young players as assistant and liaison coach, and he understands the club’s inner workings. Following Christian’s decision to step down, we are confident that appointing Julian Schuster is the right choice to continue our path with renewed energy.”
Schuster made 242 appearances as a player for Freiburg and played under Streich for seven seasons, even serving as club captain from 2012 until his retirement in 2018, a role given to him by his now-predecessor.
Under Streich, who joined Freiburg as a youth coach in 1995, the club has qualified for Europe four times and nearly claimed their first DFB Cup in 2021/22, narrowly losing in a penalty shootout. The outgoing coach also played for Freiburg, and the club is hopeful that their internal succession plan will usher in another successful era under their former captain.
Freiburg officially announced that former captain Julian Schuster will succeed Christian Streich as head coach. “The coaching position at Freiburg is both a personal passion and a challenge. I approach it with full commitment but also with humility and respect,” said Schuster, who recently earned his UEFA Pro Licence.
“Unity, passion, and a deep connection with the city and region are the values that define Sport-Club for me. I look forward to developing and embodying these values with the team, staff, and fans. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and for the guidance from Christian Streich and all the SC coaches who have supported me along this journey.”
Patrick Grollimund, a 43-year-old Swiss coach who previously worked with Germany’s women’s national team and currently serves as deputy head of UEFA Pro Licence training at the German FA, will join Schuster’s staff as an assistant coach.
As is customary at Freiburg, the club did not disclose the length of their new coach’s contract. Schuster will be officially presented as head coach before the new season kicks off.
