Freiburg's Matanović Slams Team After Europa League Final Defeat: 'Simply Too Cheap'

The disappointment was palpable among the Freiburg faithful after their team's decisive 3-0 loss to Aston Villa in the Europa League final. While Aston Villa celebrated a historic triumph, securing their first-ever Europa League title, the German club was left to rue a performance marred by uncharacteristic defensive errors. The final, held at the Beşiktaş Stadium in Istanbul, saw Aston Villa capitalize on opportunities with clinical precision, leaving Freiburg struggling to find a response.

Amidst the collective dejection, Croatian international Igor Matanović did not shy away from expressing his frustration. The striker, who has been a key player for Freiburg this season, directly criticized his teammates for the manner in which they conceded goals. Matanović's candid assessment, described by German media outlet Kicker as "very direct," highlighted the "too cheap" nature of the goals allowed, emphasizing that such fundamental mistakes are unacceptable at this level of competition. His strong words underscore a desire for immediate improvement and a commitment to avoiding similar lapses in the upcoming season.

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That simply shouldn't happen to us in the new season.

Matanović's own performance throughout the season has been a bright spot for Freiburg. Arriving in the summer of 2025, he quickly established himself as a vital attacking force, netting 15 goals in 50 appearances and contributing four assists. His form has also earned him a place in the Croatian national team, with eight caps and two goals to his name, and he is included in the squad for the upcoming World Cup. Despite his personal success, Matanović's focus remains on the team's collective performance, and his outspoken criticism reflects a deep-seated desire for the club to reach higher standards, particularly in crucial European finals.

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That is simply too cheap.