SC Freiburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt preview - Freiburg seek fresh start

Posted Friday, January 30, 2015 by PA

Bundesliga bottom side Freiburg have as many off-field worries as they do on-field concerns as they go into the second half of the season.

Their top-flight future hangs in the balance as they looked up at the rest of the division over the winter, but securing their long-term future has been filling the front and back pages of the local papers.

Freiburg are bidding to build a new stadium to replace their Dreisamstadion and a public vote will decide if they are successful in moving away from a venue which counts on receiving special dispensation each year due to its size.

"I really hope it works out for Freiburg," Germany coach and local resident Joachim Low told club's website. "I'm convinced that a new stadium is good and right.

"Most people can see that Freiburg, with the old stadium they have got, are lagging a long way behind almost all of their rivals.

"I hope they succeed because I know that Freiburg need a new stadium, and I know from my time in a Freiburg shirt that a successful Freiburg football club does the whole city of Freiburg good."

That battle will be carried out off the field on February 1, whereas on it, they have three crucial games coming up over the next week, starting against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

"We've now got to focus on delivering a passionate game against Frankfurt," said Freiburg coach Christian Streich, whose side will have a 'Sag Ja' (say yes) logo on their shirts in place of their usual sponsors, who have agreed to back their appeal.

"We're delighted to have sponsors who show such support," added Freiburg's media officer Rudi Raschke. "And we hope, of course, that everybody goes to vote yes."

Opponents Frankfurt would arguably vote yes too, if it meant being able to visit a brand new stadium in future, only they are not going to make it easy for Freiburg to be their opponents in the Bundesliga again next season.

Fortunately for Frankfurt coach Thomas Schaaf, the league's top goalscorer Alexander Meier looks like he will be fit to start, despite dislocating his shoulder recently.

"The doctor has pushed it back in and so things are looking good at the moment," said Meier, who has scored 13 times for the Eagles so far this season.