Kiliann Sildillia and Freiburg appear committed after match-winning-goal: “All is well.” | OneFootball

Kiliann Sildillia’s maiden Bundesliga goal could not have come at a better time. Amid a constant flurry of exit rumours, the Freiburg professional was surprisingly handed his first league start of the season in yesterday’s game against VfL Bochum. The 22-year-old’s 35th-minute goal proved the match-winner in a slender 1-0 victory.

Whether or not Sildillia’s first goal in 70 appearances for Freiburg will help his standing with SCF trainer Julian Schuster remains to be seen. Silldillia only started at right-back due to the fact that regular starter Lukas Kübler had to sit the game out on an accumulated yellow-card suspension. Another option, Max Rosenfelder, was unavailable due to a thigh injury.

Competition in the defensive ranks ensured that Sildillia only logged 64 minutes in seven brief appearances before the winter break. The player himself wished to leave the club, but personnel boss Jochen Saier made clear that Sildillia would not be sold or loaned out until the SC could find an adequate replacement.

With the close of the transfer window mere hours away, it appears as if Sildillia will be staying put for the duration of the season. Schuster and Sildillia – while still allowing room for the possibility in their post-match interviews – suggested it was time to close the book on departure rumors and turn over a new leaf.

“That’s one of Kiliann’s strengths,” Schuster told Sky when asked to comment on the player’s aerial ability on the headed 1-0, “It’s no coincidence that he started. He’s handled his situation well and presented himself well in training. From my perspective, there’s a 100 percent chance he’ll stay. Of course, that’s not solely my decision.”

“I had to watch [from the sidelines] for a long time,” Sildillia himself said. “but that’s football. One must go through difficult times. I got my chance and I believe I utilized it well. It works for me and the team. A goal. Three points. A clean-sheet. All is well.”

GGFN | Peter Weis