Julian Schuster references Merlin Röhl interview when describing 'top' Freiburg culture

SC Freiburg head coach Julian Schuster has appeared to deliver a subtle response to former midfielder Merlin Röhl while reflecting upon the atmosphere inside the club ahead of Sunday's Bundesliga meeting with Schalke 04. Schuster revealed at his pre-match press conference that he had spent part of the extended international break reading interviews with former Freiburg players.

The SC trainer then offered an observation that could be interpreted as a likely reference to Röhl, now at Everton. "It's often the case that, once you no longer have something, you realise what you're missing," Schuster remarked.

Röhl recently spoke at length about his adjustment to life in England and some of the cultural differences he has encountered since leaving Freiburg. Schuster nevertheless used the subject primarily to praise the environment his current squad has created;something current Freiburg professional Maximilian Eggestein also emphasized in his recentKickerinterview.

"We have a special locker room with special characters," Schuster said, also highlighting the manner in which difficult sporting decisions are handled internally. "In that respect, we're definitely a top team.

And we have to preserve and protect our top locker room [atmosphere]." Freiburg seek to continue record Bundesliga start There has been little reason for Schuster to disturb the mood. Freiburg entered the international break with ten points from their opening four Bundesliga fixtures, establishing a new club record for this stage of a season.

Their twelve goals also represent a new Freiburg best through four matchdays, with nine of them coming at home. Yuito Suzuki has been among the most important contributors.

The Japanese international has already scored four Bundesliga goals, equalling his total from the entirety of last season. Jordy Makengo has enjoyed an equally striking turnaround.

The left-back has supplied four assists across his last five appearances after failing to record a single scorer point in his previous 58. Makengo also made his DR Congo debut during the international break and, according to Schuster, returned to Freiburg "grinning." "We can ideally pick up where we left off," the Freiburg trainer said.