SC Freiburg head coach Julian Schuster has lavished praise on Japanese striker Keisuke Goto following Sunday evening’s dramatic 2-1 Bundesliga victory over FC Schalke 04 . The 21-year-old summer signing emerged as the matchwinner after coming off the bench, heading home the decisive goal as Freiburg overcame a numerical disadvantage to reclaim top spot in the Bundesliga table.

Goto entered the match in the 69th minute, five minutes after Yuito Suzuki’s dismissal had left Freiburg with ten men. Schuster’s side nevertheless continued looking for opportunities to attack and eventually found their winner through two substitutes.

Vincenzo Grifo, introduced in the 83rd minute, delivered a beautifully weighted cross from the left flank for Goto to head home just two minutes later. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations at the Europa-Park-Stadion and secured another important Bundesliga victory for Freiburg.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Schuster was asked how Goto was adapting to life in Freiburg following his reported €10 million summer transfer from Anderlecht. The Freiburg coach acknowledged that the presence of fellow Japanese players had helped the young striker settle in, but he was particularly eager to highlight Goto’s dedication and tactical contribution.

“Yeah it definitely helps that he has some countrymen alongside him in the locker room who can support him,” Schuster replied. “What I find remarkable about him, and I think everybody saw that today, is the way that he works. Every player stationed behind him is grateful because he takes care of a lot and helps you win your duels.”

Schuster’s comments about Freiburg’s Japanese contingent were particularly relevant given a small scene that unfolded in the mixed zone after the match. Japanese journalists were out in considerable numbers at the Europa-Park-Stadion, with Goto conducting several interviews in his native language. Schalke midfielder Satoshi Tanaka was also busy speaking to the assembled Japanese media.

Amid the conversations, Freiburg goalkeeper Mio Backhaus made an appearance to check whether anyone needed assistance. Backhaus, whose mother is Japanese, has already assumed something of an unofficial interpreter’s role at Freiburg. Get German Football News covered an amusing incident during Freiburg’s preseason training camp in which Backhaus stepped in to help after an AI-powered simultaneous translation system encountered difficulties.

This time, however, his services were not required. Goto and his fellow Japanese speakers were perfectly comfortable conducting their interviews in their native language. Realising that everything was running smoothly, Backhaus simply offered an approving thumbs-up and left them to it.