"It doesn't leave me unscathed": Schuster's thanks to Günter and Gregoritsch
In the 3-2 win against Hoffenheim, two seasoned SC players, who many had expected to be in the starting lineup, had to watch the full 90 minutes. The coach offers insight into his decisions—and his emotional world.
Julian Schuster and Christian Günter work hand in hand – even when the coach benches his former teammate, as he did on Saturday. IMAGO/Moritz Müller
Christian Günter (32) already foresaw last summer what a unique challenge awaits Freiburg's coach and players in Julian Schuster's first year: "There will be situations," the SC captain predicted in a kicker interview (k+) during the preseason camp in Schruns, Austria, "in which Julian leaves out players who have played with him. I think that's quite special. I see each and every one of us as having a responsibility to fully support such difficult decisions and not take them personally."
On Saturday against Hoffenheim ( 3:2 ), long-time fixture Günter experienced exactly that firsthand. The veteran spent 90 minutes on the bench, with youngster Jordy Makengo (23) taking his usual position at left back – in the coach's eyes, for performance reasons.
Performance principle without regard for big names"Jordy has been training very well for weeks," confirms Schuster, "but we still often chose Günni in tight situations. But Jordy really stuck with it. That's why this was a decision for Jordy, which isn't easy for me or for Günni."
Of course, from a purely rational perspective, the football coach has no problem following the principle of merit, regardless of names. Consider, for example, the first-time selection of 19-year-old Johan Manzambi (Schuster: "That wasn't courageous, but logical") instead of Michael Gregoritsch (31). Beyond the purely technical aspects, Schuster also offers a glimpse into his inner life: "For me, it's my first year, and it also affects guys who haven't yet played 20 Bundesliga games. Then there are those cases that don't leave me unscathed, but that's due to the quality of the team."
In addition to the athletic caliber of the up-and-coming talents, Schuster is also impressed by the character of his seasoned professionals. "The way Gregerl works is remarkable," the coach explains, "we had a great conversation. It hurts me not to be able to bring him in." And of his captain and former teammate Günter, the 40-year-old says: "It's great how Günni deals with it, how he senses it and then gives it his all in training. Such a reaction is incredibly rewarding for every coach." The captain is now clearly following his words from last summer with appropriate behavior.
The novice head coach is explicitly aware that empathy for his players' personal sensitivities "costs him a lot of energy." Nevertheless, looking ahead to the future, Schuster says: "I hope it stays this way and that I remain human enough that certain decisions continue to hurt me. Otherwise, it might mean that I lose a certain amount of empathy, that I block out feelings and personal situations." Schuster deliberately doesn't want that – "even if it might be better for my health and energy."
