Thilo Kehrer knows SC Freiburg pretty well.
Not only has the West Ham United defender got experience against the Breisgau Brazilians, having played against them during his early career with Schalke 04, but he actually grew up not far from the area.
Having been born in Tübingen, in central Baden-Württemberg, Kehrer spent his infant years around a two-hour drive from Freiburg im Breisgau.
As such, the 27-year-old feels a certain understanding for the area and can appreciate the hard work put in by the players, staff and backroom team at SC Freiburg to turn the club into a European side.
“I know SC Freiburg pretty well,” he said. “I grew up not too far from here. It’s a local club that has grown itself from within, from the Academy, with the structure that they have, which is very good, very disciplined and very encouraging for younger players here. The younger players in the first team squad here are coming through the Academy and from this region, so they have their own identity.
“This club works so hard. A few years ago, this was a club that fought in the Bundesliga and had a year or two in the second division too. And now they have had a few years consecutively playing in Europe and competing in the top third of the Bundesliga. From my side, I can only say hats off to them.”
The defender is anticipating a tricky test at the Stadion am Wolfswinkel on Thursday evening but Kehrer is also relishing a return to away days in Europe for the Hammers.
Kehrer has made five appearances this campaign for the Irons with his two starts coming in the UEFA Europa League Group A win over FK TSC, and the Carabao Cup third round win at Lincoln City.
While there is competition for places, the versatile defender is enjoying the balance in the team.
“We’re very excited to be back on our travels in the Europa League,” he continued. “We still have our memories from last year in Europe. Everybody at the Club knows how special it is and what a privilege it is to play in Europe. For us players, it is the same.
“It’s an important competition for me. Every minute I get, I try to give the best I can of myself for the team.
“I would have to say this is one of the most balanced squads I’ve been involved in during my career. The chemistry we have encourages competition, but in a healthy way. Everyone is aware that the competition is there and everybody has his own qualities, that they try to bring to the team so the whole group can profit. I would say this is a pretty special group.”
West Ham are unable to have supporters at Thursday’s fixture, meaning David Moyes’ side will face their German opposition without the roar of the travelling Claret and Blue Army behind them.
While Kehrer admitted not having the fans there to support them will make the game even more challenging, he knows the side have the professionalism in them to get the three points.
He added: “We love having our fans with us and supporting us at away games. Having them there gives you a little extra boost because playing away means having the majority of the fans in the stadium against you.
“So not having our fans on Thursday night is unfortunate for us, but we have to be professionals and adapt to the situation. We all have played during the COVID-19 Pandemic, in a lot of games when supporters were not allowed into the games, so we know we need to adapt to get the job done.”
