FREIBURG, Germany (AP) — The Bundesliga’s longest-serving coach is far from done.
Christian Streich and his coaching staff have extended their contract with Freiburg, the club announced on Tuesday.
He did not give the length of the new deals, but Streich has traditionally only extended his contract for a year each season since taking over the lowly south-west German club in December 2011.
“It’s good that we still like to come to the office every day and have an open and honest relationship,” Streich told the Freiburg website. “Life here is really special and I’m happy to be able to continue working for this club with my fellow coaches.”
Streich has already overseen more Bundesliga games in charge of Freiburg than any other. In total, his record is 167 wins, 115 draws and 142 losses in all competitions.
Streich, 57, has become a favorite at Freiburg – and beyond – for his passionate displays from the sidelines during games, his witty quotes and his humility before and after.
Streich took charge of the Freiburg Under-19s in 1995 after his playing career ended due to injury, then took over the senior team as manager after a stint as assistant manager .
“I should kneel 10 times and thank you for being a coach,” Streich previously told DPA news agency.
He oversaw incremental success despite top players leaving each offseason for higher-paying rivals. The team bounced back as second division champions in 2016 after being relegated from the Bundesliga the season before, and have since established themselves as a regular contender for European qualification.
Freiburg reached the German Cup final last season, when they also finished sixth in the Bundesliga for Europa League qualification. Freiburg host Italian giants Juventus in this competition on Thursday with a one-goal deficit from the first leg in Turin.
“Christian Streich and his colleagues work extremely hard every day and do their best to develop our team,” said Freiburg sporting director Jochen Saier. “We continue to do things our way and this successful and valued partnership will continue into next season as well.” ___ More AP football: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer And https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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