West Ham’s record-breaking 5-0 win against Freiburg in Europe has seemingly played a part in bringing an end to Christian Streich’s remarkable era as manager of the German club.
Streich, who has been at Freiburg for nearly 30 years, first as an Under 19s coach and then as assistant manager before taking over as the first-team boss 13 years ago, is now reportedly considering retirement.
Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard suggested that Streich could confirm his retirement in the next couple of days.
“Does look as though Christian Streich could confirm his imminent retirement as Freiburg boss in the next couple of days,” Sky Sports’ Bundesliga expert Hatchard said on X.
“Nothing confirmed yet. If he does go in the summer, it would leave an extraordinary void at Freiburg and in the Bundesliga.
“If you’re thinking of value to a club rather than trophies, you are genuinely talking about Fergie’s impact at United, Wenger’s at Arsenal or Klopp’s at Liverpool. Obviously Freiburg were never going to win things in the same way, but in relative terms, he’s achieved so much.
“Of course, he could throw us all a curveball and decide to stay, but he has spoken recently about whether he still has the energy to carry on, and he hasn’t yet agreed a new contract.
Streich’s potential departure would leave a significant void at Freiburg and in the Bundesliga, as he is regarded as one of the most respected coaches in Germany.
Despite Freiburg’s unlikely chances of winning major trophies, Streich’s impact on the club has been compared to the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, or Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, in terms of his value to the team.
While Streich has been respectful towards West Ham and manager David Moyes throughout the four games between the two sides this season, he made a strange claim about the Hammers after their 5-0 victory over his team.
Nevertheless, West Ham’s impressive performance against Freiburg has contributed to the narrative of Streich’s phenomenal story at the club, highlighting the impact that the Hammers had on the 58-year-old’s managerial journey.