Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany praised Freiburg after they went one better than his side and reached a European final, calling the Black Forest team a "really good example" for aspiring clubs.
Freiburg reached their first ever European final by overcoming Braga on Thursday to set up a Europa League showpiece with Aston Villa on May 20 in Istanbul. Bayern were knocked out by holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final the previous day.
"It is really great what Freiburg are doing. What Freiburg are managing to do is a really good example for many clubs," Kompany told a news conference on Friday previewing Saturday's Bundesliga trip to Wolfsburg.
Kompany said he would be supporting Freiburg, who have never won a major trophy, in the final.
"For the sake of German football, we hope they also win the trophy," he remarked. That would mean Freiburg would join already-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayern and three other German clubs in the Champions League next season.
Freiburg are a modest club by Bayern's standards but a new stadium, passionate fanbase and clever recruiting have turned them into a force.
"I think it is everything that is positive in football. Such a small club building itself up with its own resources. There is a philosophy, a vision," Kompany said.
Bayern may have nothing to play for in the league but hosts Wolfsburg are desperate for points to avoid automatic relegation.
Bayern rested top players either side of the PSG legs and there could still be rotation as the Bavarians eye the German Cup final against VfB Stuttgart on May 23.
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