Julian Schuster Highlights Coaching Efforts to Aid Yuito Suzuki’s Comeback
SC Freiburg head coach Julian Schuster has shared insights into the extensive efforts by his coaching staff to assist Japanese international Yuito Suzuki during a challenging period. The 25-year-old showcased his talent in Sunday’s 2-0 Bundesliga victory over Union Berlin, where he notched his fifth league goal of the season, earning Get German Football News‘ Player of the Match honours.
Suzuki’s decisive finish in the 67th minute came after a high recuperation and a pass from Derry Scherhant, where he coolly lifted the ball over the onrushing Union keeper Frederik Rønnow. The goal capped off a strong performance from the Japanese forward, who had previously threatened to score and was initially credited with Freiburg’s opener in the 55th minute before replays clarified that Rani Khedira had deflected Jan-Niklas Beste’s cross into his own net.
Advertisement
This goal marked a turning point for Suzuki, who had begun the 2026/27 season impressively. Schuster’s comments post-match revealed that Suzuki’s resurgence stemmed from significant attention from Freiburg’s coaching team.
Suzuki’s struggles had become a talking point in Freiburg
For fans monitoring Suzuki’s growth, it is notable that Get German Football News profiled the Japanese international’s physical and technical progression shortly before the international break in October. He had kicked off the Bundesliga season with a hat-trick against Werder Bremen, followed by a spectacular volley in a 2-2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Although he faced adapting challenges during his first season in Breisgau, Suzuki appeared poised to take on greater responsibility after Johan Manzambi’s transfer to Aston Villa. However, his initial success soon was interrupted by difficulties. His unfortunate dismissal against Schalke 04 resulted in a setback, leading to struggles in regaining his offensive influence.
Advertisement
Schuster had criticized Suzuki’s lack of composure after that match, while acknowledging Freiburg’s collective response that clinched a dramatic 2-1 win despite being down to ten men. Meanwhile, fellow Japanese international Keisuke Goto made his case for more playing time, succeeding in recent matches including a late matchwinner against Schalke and a DFB-Pokal victory over Wolfsburg.
Freiburg executive identifies the source of Suzuki’s difficulties
In a report for Kicker on November 3rd, prominent German football correspondent Carsten Schröter-Lorenz analyzed Suzuki’s diminishing impact, consulting SCF sporting director Klemens Hartenbach. The analysis revealed that Suzuki had recorded a low Kicker rating of 4.7 across five competitive matches, with a decline in possession involvement and touches per 90 minutes dropping below 40 against Jablonec.
Interestingly, Suzuki’s running statistics indicated that his struggles were not due to a lack of effort, as he recorded improved running distances in several matches compared to earlier in the season. Hartenbach attributed Suzuki’s difficulties to the pressure stemming from expectations after his impressive start. The player expressed frustration over what he saw as inadequate playing time with the national team. Following strong support at Freiburg, he struggled to maintain his previous carefree style.
Advertisement
Hartenbach spoke about Suzuki’s mindset, lamenting that he began to overthink his actions. The sporting director suggested that Suzuki should return to a game focusing on high-volume running, defensive excellence, and regaining possession without overemphasizing goals and assists.
Five days after this assessment, Schuster detailed how Freiburg aimed to implement this advice.
Julian Schuster reveals conversations with Suzuki
In the post-match conference on Sunday, Schuster addressed questions from Kicker journalist Daniela Frahm about Suzuki’s recent challenges and the coaching efforts made to support him.
Advertisement
“Yes, he did [voice dissatisfaction with himself],” Schuster stated. “There have been numerous discussions involving my assistant coaches as well. We have put in solid work to ensure that no player is left behind.”
Schuster acknowledged that Suzuki’s early season success, along with his national team experience, presented challenges for a young player. “I think it was a natural response from him,” he noted. “We started well, and then Yuito, like many others, was on national duty. One can hear various things that are tough for a young person to handle.”
“To achieve long-term success, it’s vital to maintain perspective and humility,” he noted. “It’s important to be grateful and consistently recall the sources of progress. Ups and downs are part of any career, and during such times, focusing on fundamentals rather than just goals or assists is crucial for solid performances.”
Advertisement
Suzuki’s specific instructions against Union Berlin
Schuster concluded with detailed insights on the preparation for Suzuki ahead of Sunday’s match.
“That was Yuito’s specific instruction today,” Schuster summarized. “He needed to focus on his work without the ball, increasing his intensity to compete physically and mentally. He was to utilize his vision for making the right plays and seeking the correct depths. He accomplished that today, which is significant for him.”
The tactical advice reinforced the attributes Schuster had previously praised earlier in the season. As mentioned in GGFN’s October player review, Schuster valued Suzuki’s growing understanding of the defensive duties expected of an attacking midfielder.
Advertisement
Sunday’s display strengthened the notion that these lessons had been absorbed by Suzuki. He covered 10.53 kilometers, initiated 25 sprints, and achieved a top speed of 32.9 km/h against Union. He recorded 44 touches, attempted three shots, and consistently sought to exploit spaces within the visitors’ defense.
The importance of the goal is evident, but how Suzuki responded to the coaching guidance may hold even greater significance. After a month where his form and position had drawn scrutiny, Schuster’s evaluation hinted at a crucial step toward restoring his confidence.
Hartenbach had identified what was needed just days prior. Against Union Berlin, Suzuki successfully combined these elements.
