The Bundesliga’s lengthiest-serving coach has opted to bring his tenure to a close. Christian Streich, who has led German club Freiburg for over 12 years, announced on Monday that he will step down at the end of the season, concluding a 29-year coaching journey that commenced when he assumed leadership of the under-19 team in 1995.
“It’s with a heavy heart, a very heavy heart, that I share the news with you,” Streich expressed in a video posted on the club’s website.
“I contemplated it for a long time. We deliberated for a long time. But after 29 years, I believe now is the right moment to usher in new energy, new individuals, new opportunities,” Streich remarked. “It was always exceedingly important to me in the past that I didn’t want to miss the moment when I think it’s time to go.”
The 58-year-old Streich departs after earning affection in Freiburg and beyond for his fervor on the sidelines during matches, along with his humility, empathy, and wit when the game clock is still.
Despite witnessing top talents depart every offseason for better financial prospects elsewhere, Streich oversaw incremental success for the modest team from southwestern Germany. Freiburg rebounded as second-division champions in 2016 following Bundesliga relegation the prior season, and has since established itself as a consistent contender for European qualification.
Streich also played a role in the team’s transition to a new state-of-the-art stadium from the 24,000-capacity Black Forest Stadium. Streich routinely extended his contract by only one year each season, and while the club hoped he would stay, he had previously hinted that this season could be his last.
“This club is my life, and I am extremely grateful for the great support and affection that I have always received. I am full of gratitude for the experience,” Streich expressed in his distinctive local accent.
Streich, who played for Freiburg in the second division in 1987-88, assumed leadership of the club’s under-19 team in 1995 following the end of his playing career due to injury. He took charge of the senior team in December 2011 after serving as an assistant coach.
Streich’s achievements with Freiburg sparked speculation linking him with other clubs. Reacting with irritation after being associated with Bayern Munich, he declared being the coach of Freiburg a “pure luxury.”
Known for his philosophical perspective on games and his humor that maintained a balanced view, Streich once remarked of his team’s playing style, “We’re not unsexy. On the other hand, I am relatively unsexy.”
Freiburg currently occupies ninth place in the 18-team Bundesliga and still has the chance to secure another season of European competition.
Streich expressed confidence that Freiburg will continue its trajectory, “always forward. Even if it was difficult at times, it was always with our heads held high. A great club, a wonderful time for me. But now it’s the right time to say ‘adieu.’” Streich’s final match in charge will be against Union Berlin on the season’s closing day.
