BERLIN (AP) — The Bundesliga’s longest-serving coach has decided to call it a day.
Christian Streich, who has been in charge of German club Freiburg for more than 12 years, said Monday he will finally step down at the end of the season, bringing an end to a 29-year coaching association that started when he took over the under-19 team in 1995.
“It’s with a heavy heart, a very heavy heart, that I share the news with you,” Streich said as he announced his departure in a video published on the club’s website.
“I thought about it a long time. We talked for a long time. But I think after 29 years, now is the right time to bring in new energy, new people, new opportunities,” Streich said. “It was always very, very 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 leaves after becoming a favorite in Freiburg and beyond for his passion on the sidelines during games, as well as his humility, compassion and humor when the ball is not in play.
Streich oversaw progressive success for the modest team from southwestern Germany despite watching top players leave every offseason for better paying rivals. Freiburg bounced back as second-division champion in 2016 after Bundesliga relegation the season before, and has since established itself as a regular contender for European qualification. Streich also oversaw the team’s move to a new modern stadium from the 24,000-capacity Black Forest Stadium.
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Streich only ever extended his contract by one year each season and the club would have liked to him to stay, but he had already hinted before Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Bundesliga leader Bayer Leverkusen that this season might 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 said in his distinctive local accent.
Streich played for Freiburg in the second division in 1987-88. He took charge of the club’s under-19 team in 1995 after his playing career ended because of injury. He took over the senior team in December 2011 after a spell as assistant coach.
Streich’s success with Freiburg led to speculation linking him with other clubs. He reacted with annoyance after being linked with Bayern Munich, and said being the Freiburg coach was “pure luxury.”
He became known for his philosophical outlook on games, and for his humor that kept everything in perspective.
“We’re not totally unsexy,” Streich once said of his team’s playing style. “On the other hand, I am relatively unsexy.”
Freiburg is in ninth place in the 18-team Bundesliga and can still clinch another season of European competition.
Streich said he was convinced that Freiburg will continue as it has before, “and that’s 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 last game in charge will be at Union Berlin on the final day of the season.
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