Underwent the most challenging preparation of my career
In the lead-up to the 2025/2026 season, SGV Freiberg has undergone a significant squad revamp under the guidance of head coach Kushtrim Lushtaku. A total of 19 new players have joined the team, including key additions like Ryan Adigo and goalkeeper Mateo Drljo, bringing new energy, experience, and youth to the squad.
The new signings include Tim Schmidt from FC Schalke 04 II and Mehdi Hetemaj from SF Lafnitz/Austria, who will fill the central defense positions previously occupied by Yannick Osee and David Pisot. The versatile and extremely fast Ryan Adigo is expected to make a significant impact, but his deployment in the opening match against Freiburg is uncertain due to a slight injury.
Last season, under Lushtaku's leadership, SGV Freiberg achieved their best result ever, finishing third in the table with 63 points. Captain Marco Kehl-Gomez, entering his fourth season with the team, has stayed with SGV Freiberg, a testament to Lushtaku's ability to retain key players.
The success of this complete roster overhaul will be seen this Saturday at 2 pm when Regionalliga Südwest kicks off at home against SC Freiburg II. The team's goal is to annoy all those who want to promote and reach a single-digit position.
Benedikt Grawe, who joined from Bahlinger SC, will start in goal for SGV Freiberg. Other new faces include Tino Bradara, Jakob Engel, Adam Krstanovic, David Girmann, Tim Schmidt, Tim-Niklas Pietzsch, Ryan Adigo, Mehdi Hetemaj, Lukas Laupheimer, Leon Petö, Diamant Lokaj, Marco Kehl-Gomez, Melvin Cerkez, Matt Zie, Abou Ballo, Marius Köhl, Armin Sivic, Karlo Kuranyi, and Aris Malaj.
Gal Grobelnik, the top scorer in test matches, provides a reliable backup for the team. Marius Köhl (24/SG Barockstadt) and Karlo Kuranyi (VfB Stuttgart II), son of former pro Kevin Kuranyi, made a strong impression in preparation.
The unprecedented roster overhaul was a result of late-night planning by Lushtaku, along with president Emir Cerkez and sporting director Mario Estasi. Lushtaku is glad that Kehl-Gomez stayed as he considers him a crucial player and a reliable conveyor of his instructions on the pitch.
This roster overhaul is historic for SGV Freiberg, with only third-tier relegation team SV Sandhausen having more changes in their squad. The team's future performance will be closely watched as they embark on this new chapter.
Sports-analysis: With 19 new players joining SGV Freiberg, including football stars Ryan Adigo and Mateo Drljo, the team is aiming to make a significant impact in the upcoming 2025/2026 season, particularly in their opening match against SC Freiburg II in Regionalliga Südwest. The new signed players, such as Tim Schmidt from FC Schalke 04 II and Mehdi Hetemaj from SF Lafnitz/Austria, will bring fresh energy, experience, and youth to the squad, as they fill key positions in the defense. The versatile and fast Ryan Adigo, despite a slight injury, is expected to contribute significantly to the team's performance.
