More responsibility
Especially at centre-back, head coach Ralf Rangnick boasts international quality with Lienhart, David Affengruber, Felix Bacher, and Kevin Danso. Accordingly, the starting line-up has seen frequent changes in recent matches.
"I know all my teammates very, very well and feel comfortable alongside any of them," Lienhart insisted, brushing aside any concerns.
The Freiburg defender is now one of the squad's most experienced internationals, having earned 45 caps. His voice in the dressing room carries weight accordingly, as does the responsibility he bears.
"I think off the pitch I tend to be a quieter guy. On the pitch, that's changed over the years—I can get loud out there," the 30-year-old noted. "I've gained a certain amount of experience and reached a certain age now. Naturally, I try to give the team security and lead by example through my presence."
Fond memories of Linz
Lienhart has nothing but fond memories of Linz, where the Irish will be hosted. He has scored two of his three international goals there.
"The game against Norway (5-1 on 13 October 2024) definitely comes to mind. I scored in that one, and in the match before that against Kazakhstan (4-0) I also found the net. Then, unfortunately, the hole in the pitch (during the 1-0 win against Cyprus on 6 September 2025, ed.) also comes to mind. I think we've put in many good performances there. A small, compact stadium. It suits us very well."
Lienhart arrives "full of confidence"
Even after nine years, the defender remains very happy at Freiburg. Over this period, the Breisgau club has blossomed into a top-six side in the German Bundesliga.
"When you look at the progress the club has made, and probably me in parallel alongside it, making steps in the right direction together, it's definitely very, very pleasing."
Freiburg suits him well and vice versa. Sport-Club are now regular fixtures in European competition. And this season has started successfully as well—both domestically in third place and in the Conference League. "I think I've put in good performances and arrive here full of confidence."
