Despite a late return to pre-season, his season is well and truly underway. The current injury situation is a great chance for Friedl to put together a strong run of games. However, Friedl emphasises: “I’m not thinking about what will happen when everyone’s back to full fitness. I’m not worried about it.” Instead, he is fully focused on the upcoming games against Leipzig and Dortmund, and how to neutralise their talented attacks, as well as improving his own game.
Against Union Berlin, Friedl was almost exclusively required for his defensive duties. However, he is determined to improve all aspects of his game in the full back position. Both he and Florian Kohfeldt have a clear idea of how to interpret the role. “As a left back you need to show that you’re capable of attacking, as well as defending. Against Augsburg I was much more offensive, even if a few crosses weren’t accurate,” said Friedl.