Talking Tactics: SC Freiburg vs Bayern Munich

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FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY – DECEMBER 07: head coach Christian Streich of SC Freiburg gestures during the Bundesliga match between Sport-Club Freiburg and VfL Wolfsburg at Schwarzwald-Stadion on December 7, 2019, in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Tactical profile of Freiburg

An exceptional tactic deployed by Streich is keeping a medium block as opposed to a high defensive line in addition to their strict organizational discipline. The defensive trio rarely tries to poach the half-line to protect their goalkeeper from a counter-attack.

Moreover, the organizational discipline is reflected by the attacking line, which pushes back during a defensive transition and remains vertically integrated. Schmid and Gunter pull themselves in the wide areas in the defensive zone while Sallai and Holer operate as wide midfielders alongside the two center-midfielders.

In effect, Freiburg organize themselves in a 5-4-1 with vertical compactness to fend off any danger from the opposition. Below is a graphical representation for the same:

"Flekken Schmid Gulde Koch Heintz Gunter Sallai Haberer Hofler Holer Petersen"

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Freiburg have conceded only 18 goals in 15 league fixtures which is the joint third-best defensive statistic in the Bundesliga this season. Zeroing-in on their home form, they boast the best defensive record with only six goals conceded from seven games. The answer to this amazing feat lies in the positional and pressing intelligence the Freiburg players show on the pitch.

Having mentioned the use of a medium block, Freiburg tactically avoids applying pressure through the first channel as they invite the opposition in the middle section of the park where they charge their opponents using a man-to-man press. This allows Freiburg to maintain their shape which keeps them organized throughout the pitch.

It appears as if Streich has programmed his players to follow strict instructions, rather than allowing them to move haywire for winning possession.