Julian Schuster: No Major Pressure Before Europa League Final

Freiburg Head Coach Julian Schuster Speaks Before Europa League Final Against Aston Villa

Julian Schuster, Freiburg's head coach, expressed his confidence ahead of the Europa League final against Aston Villa at the Tüpraş Stadium. Schuster emphasized the importance of sticking to the plan and maintaining concentration.

Speaking at a press conference at the Tüpraş Stadium, Schuster said, "Over the past few years, we've found ourselves in different situations, including being relegated to the 2nd Bundesliga. Today, we find ourselves in a Europa League final, and I don't feel a lot of pressure right now. I feel a great sense of joy for the team. The team trusts me and believes in me, and our quality is high. The team's experience will be crucial. Some of our players have previously played in finals, and our performance throughout the season has given us the necessary confidence. We will go into the match with a strong team and coaching staff."

Schuster highlighted the importance of experienced player Matthias Ginter, who won the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany. "Ginter is a special player. He has a strong desire to win in training and in matches. He has a winning mentality that other players in our team share. Our opponent also has such players. Reflecting this energy on the pitch is important. We must not lose concentration and stick to the plan," Schuster explained.

When discussing Aston Villa, Schuster noted, "They are an impressive team. They are very cohesive as a unit and have a clear plan for every moment of the match. They know what they are doing. They have young and talented players who move as a whole and stay calm and alert during the game. They offer a lot of learning opportunities."

Schuster, who has been coaching the team for a long time, stated that they are aiming to win the match within 90 minutes rather than taking it to penalties. "We need to stay focused and play to our strengths while acknowledging our opponent's strengths," he said.

On the topic of his personal growth with the club, Schuster noted, "The most important thing is to further develop this club. I found opportunities for growth as a player with this team, and now, as a coach, I'm doing the same. I am very grateful. The club has played a significant role in my personal development. In return, improving the players, the club, and the team is my biggest motivation. It's a very special task for me."