The high of the Champions League victory in Istanbul was quickly replaced by the relentless rhythm of the Bundesliga. There was no time to savor the triumph, no time to bask in the glory. The next challenge loomed large: an away match against SC Freiburg, a team known for its defensive solidity and its ability to frustrate even the most potent attacks.
Klopp, ever the pragmatist, brought the team back down to earth with a thud. "Istanbul was magnificent," he declared in the pre-match briefing. "But that was then, this is now. Freiburg will not be easy. They will sit deep, they will defend with ten men behind the ball, and they will try to hit us on the counter. We must be patient. We must be smart. And we must be clinical."
