West Ham United win over Freiburg sparks retirement rumours, announcement ‘imminent’
Freiburg manager Christian Streich is close to confirming his retirement on the back of his side’s loss to West Ham, according to Kevin Hatchard.
The Bundesliga side were thrashed 5-0 by West Ham on Thursday (14 March) as they exited the Europa League at the last-16 stage.
Much-loved fiture Streich has been in charge of Freiburg since 2011 and has been associated with the club as a player and coach since 1983.
However, the 58-year-old may be about to call it quits, with the loss to West Ham no doubt playing some part in the decision.
European football expert Hatchard posted on X [17 March]: “Does look as though Christian Streich could confirm his imminent retirement as Freiburg boss in the next couple of days.
“Nothing confirmed yet. If he does go in the summer, it would leave an extraordinary void at Freiburg and in the Bundesliga.”
West Ham set up Bayer Leverkusen tie in Europa League
Streich went above and beyond in taking Freiburg into Europe and they gave West Ham a scare by taking a lead into the second leg.
However, the Irons produced their best performance of the campaign in ruthlessly seeing off the German side in this week’s home tie.
Streich came through the Freiburg ranks as a player more than 40 years ago, and bar the odd spell away, has been there ever since.
Had Freiburg seen the job through in the last-16 tie, it could so easily have been Moyes who was close to announcing his departure amid questions over his future.
As it is, the Scotsman won back many of the fans he had previously lost with that ruthless performance.
But even if Moyes does now go on to pen a new deal with the Irons, it is safe to say his tenure will not last as long as Streich’s at Freiburg.
In other West Ham news, a FIFA agent slammed an “absolutely ridiculous” development that came about as a result of United’s win over Freiburg.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.