# SC Freiburg Japanese player integration

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sc-freiburg-japanese-player-integration
> Updated: 2026-07-28T23:54:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 SC Freiburg highlighted the integration of its new Japanese‑heritage squad members. Goalkeeper Mio Backhaus, a German‑Japanese player, first stepped in as a live interpreter when an AI translation system failed during a media session, helping teammates Rihito Yamamoto, Keisuke Goto and Yuito Suzuki communicate.

Two days later, the club’s pre‑season camp in Schruns, Austria, was described as a “full success.” Coach Julian Schuster praised Backhaus not only for his on‑field abilities but also for serving as a linguistic bridge for the Japanese players, noting his speed, communication skills and role in fostering team cohesion. The camp’s activities and positive atmosphere were presented as part of the broader effort to integrate the Japanese contingent ahead of the upcoming Bundesliga season.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-28: SC Freiburg’s training camp in Schruns readies squad for new season

SC Freiburg’s July training camp in Schruns combined intensive drills with fun activities, praised new keeper Mio Backhaus’s integration and left the squad well‑prepared for the season.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sc-freiburgs-training-camp-in-schruns-readies-squad-for-new-season

### 2026-07-26: SC Freiburg goalkeeper Mio Backhaus serves as interpreter for Japanese teammates

SC Freiburg’s new goalkeeper Mio Backhaus, fluent in Japanese, took over translation duties for the club’s Japanese players after an AI interpreter failed, also helping their integration.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sc-freiburg-goalkeeper-mio-backhaus-serves-as-interpreter-for-japanese-teammates

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Cite as: SC Freiburg Japanese player integration. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sc-freiburg-japanese-player-integration