July 4, 2025, 9:08 am | Read time: 6 minutes
How Much Mental Strength Does Professional Soccer Require? National player Laura Freigang speaks candidly with FITBOOK editor Sophie Brünke about pressure situations, diet experiences, and the challenges faced in training camp ahead of the 2025 European Championship. She demonstrates that setbacks are part of the journey—but they don’t define who you are. An honest conversation about body image, team spirit, and the power of staying true to oneself.
Laura Freigang is one of the defining faces of German women’s soccer. The native of Kiel has been under contract with Eintracht Frankfurt since 2020 and has established herself as a dangerous offensive player in the Bundesliga. She has also been a key player in the national team since her debut in 2020, scoring nine goals in her first ten international matches–an impressive debut. In an interview with FITBOOK, the 27-year-old provides insights into the demands of training camp, her handling of setbacks in professional soccer, and openly shares her experiences with diets. The conversation took place during an event by Lidl–the official partner of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
Overview
FITBOOK: Ms. Freigang, you are on the roster for this year’s European Championship. How does that feel?
Laura Freigang: “I’ve already had the opportunity to participate in some tournaments, and they are simply the absolute highlights of a year–aside from club soccer. Such tournaments are the greatest experiences one can have in a career. It’s special because not only do the players come together, but also the fans who celebrate this event together. After each of these tournaments, my life has changed–you know something will happen beforehand, but not exactly what.”
You were already there in 2022 and became vice-European champion. What needs to change this time to win the title?
“Everything has to fit for a title. Often, small things make the difference. For German teams, team spirit has always been essential–the cohesion, the willingness to push boundaries together. We have this foundation. The key is to bring it to the field during the tournament and develop a sense of self-assurance. Back in England (EURO 2022, editor’s note) we played ourselves into a frenzy and reached the final–even though not many expected it from us beforehand. At the World Cup, however, many counted on us, but we couldn’t deliver. So it’s about delivering the performance at the right moment.”
“The toughest sessions are not soccer-specific”
How tough is the training under national coach Christian Wück? Are there sessions you would prefer to skip?
“Christian is in the luxury position that we all come to the national team fit from our clubs. The toughest sessions are therefore not soccer-specific, but endurance runs where you just have to run straight for 50 minutes, or strength training. Many were on vacation for twelve days and prepared individually during that time. The first days in the training camp are certainly exhausting, but we know that. The focus is then on tactics and team building.”
You mentioned running for 50 minutes–are there specific guidelines on how you should train during vacation?
“Yes, I receive an individually tailored training plan with clear guidelines. These can be sprints, hill sprints, or interval runs. Often, speeds in kilometers per hour or pulse ranges are specified. The strength training depends on the facilities available on site but covers explosive strength, sprints, endurance, and general strength.”
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“Everything I do in the weight room should help me on the field”
What does your strength training specifically look like?
“I’m currently doing a lot of explosive strength training that I can then apply on the field. Classic exercises like deadlifts, squats, jumps, but also upper body training–it’s all there. Everything I do in the weight room should help me on the field. It’s not about muscle mass for me, but functional strength.”
What distinguishes training with the national team from club training?
“We are not yet in the training camp, so I don’t know the exact plan. But I expect a lot of tactical sessions and professional load management–via pulse, GPS, speed, and sprint count. Even during a session, adjustments are made flexibly depending on the intensity. It’s really very professional.”
“I don’t forbid myself anything”
What does your everyday diet look like?
“I make sure to eat as colorful as possible–lots of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and proteins. With the national team, we have our own chefs, and the club now also has catering. I don’t forbid myself anything, that doesn’t work for me–I just focus on a balanced diet.”
And what do you eat on game days?
“Before the game, I focus on easily digestible food. I don’t have a fixed routine, but I eat what makes me feel good. The actual energy loading happens two days before–we always say ‘matchday minus two.’ It’s classic, with lots of carbohydrates.”
And at halftime?
“I usually just drink water. If it’s particularly strenuous or hot, I might take an energy gel–with simple sugar for quick energy supply.”
“Strict diets don’t work in the long run”
Were there phases in your career when you tried diets?
“I’ve tried almost everything–especially as a young woman. You compare yourself a lot, want to optimize your body. Especially in competitive sports, you are also measured by your body. I’ve learned from my experiences: Strict diets don’t work in the long run. For me, a conscious, balanced diet without prohibitions works best. The body sends signals, and I try to listen to them.”
There are only a few days to recover between group matches. Do you, like Per Mertesacker, get into the ice bath, or do you have your own ritual?
“Klara Bühl (midfielder for Bayern Munich, editor’s note) is responsible for the ice bath–but I also get in from time to time. It helps me to move after great exertion–like on the bike or through light shaking out. Some prefer to go into the hot bath. We are also well taken care of by our physiotherapists–everything you need for recovery is available.”
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“Setbacks are part of it–they don’t define who I am”
In the 2024 Olympic semifinals, you missed a header chance shortly before the end that could have secured the team a spot in the final. How do you deal with such setbacks?
“I want to be successful in what I do. Of course, there are frustrating moments, but I remind myself that it doesn’t define me. At the end of the day, it was a header situation that just didn’t work out. After difficult phases, there were also many beautiful experiences in my career. Such setbacks are part of it–they don’t define who I am.”
Those are strong words. Do you have a message for young women in sports?
“Listen to yourself! In a world full of external influences, especially through social media, it’s hard to stay true to yourself. But that’s exactly what’s important. Trust your own feelings. It’s a process that I go through repeatedly.”