Julian Schuster, the head coach of SC Freiburg, remains unfazed by the recent two-hour flight delay that saw his team arrive late in Nice. Technical difficulties with their aircraft postponed their arrival at the picturesque Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is famously situated near the Mediterranean Sea.
Schuster took the delay in stride, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to travel. “Such things can happen, but it’s about how you handle them,” he reflected. To make the best of the situation, he and his players shared a coffee while waiting at the airport in Lahr, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. “We can’t let a little wait hinder us from delivering a strong performance tomorrow. That would be the first excuse, and we won’t allow that.”
As they prepare for their Europa League clash against OGC Nice, currently eighth in Ligue 1, the Freiburg squad is eager to build on their strong start in the tournament, having garnered seven points from their first three matches. Vincenzo Grifo expressed the team’s excitement, noting, “We’ve never been in this position before, so we are really looking forward to it.”
Schuster praised Nice’s disciplined defense, which allows them to concede minimal chances. He stressed the need for his players to be patient and vigilant, especially in controlling the depth against Nice’s quick attackers. “It’s crucial to prepare for those moments, ensuring we maintain our defensive integrity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Schuster confirmed that Eren Dinkci would be absent from the match due to muscle issues. However, Patrick Osterhage, who had also faced health concerns, will make the trip to Nice. Osterhage’s presence is considered vital for the team’s balance. Schuster noted, “The good news is that he hasn’t had any structural injuries, so he hasn’t lost much time and is very close to returning. I’m confident in planning with him.”
There is a possibility that Schuster may choose to rest Osterhage during this match, anticipating a more critical fixture at home against St. Pauli on Sunday, where he can fully utilize Osterhage in the starting lineup. Freiburg is expected to be supported by around 1,500 fans in Nice, and they will don their unusual light blue kit for the occasion, marking another chapter in their promising European campaign.