Regionalligist FC Schalke 04 II will play their first game of the season against 1. FC Bocholt on Saturday. Among them: returnee Jimmy Kaparos.

On July 13, FC Schalke 04 II made the return of Jimmy Kaparos perfect. “For his only 21 years, he offers enormous development potential and shows promise,” commented Mathias Schober, Director Knappenschmiede and Development, on the new addition.

The midfielder already wore the royal blue jersey from 2017 to 2022, passing through the U17 and U19 teams and then playing 55 regional league games for S04’s U23. He even played once for Schalke in the Bundesliga in 2021.

This was followed last year by a move to his Dutch homeland to PEC Zwolle. Now Kaparos will play for the Knappen again. Forecasting spoke to the 21-year-old ahead of the Regionalliga West season opener against 1. FC Bocholt (July 29):

Jimmy Kaparos, you had already played for FC Schalke 04 for five years. After just one season in the Netherlands, you returned to Gelsenkirchen. What were the reasons for that?

I believe that my development here at Schalke is not yet complete. With Jakob Fimpel and his coaching team, I have top people around me with whom I can develop further every day – in the games and in training – and attack in the Regionalliga again.

For Schalke, the Regionalliga season begins with a home match against 1. FC Bocholt. What kind of match are you expecting at Parkstadion?

It’s the first matchday of the season, both teams are hot and want to win the game. The coach has prepared us very well for the match. We are ready! Of course, I hope for a positive outcome for us.

Schalke has strengthened itself in this transfer window not only with a number of young players capable of development, but also with veteran striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga. How important can experience be for a talented U23 team?

Pierre is very important for our team. He brings a lot of experience, not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room. The whole team can learn a lot from him and we are very happy that he is part of our team.

Each individual player wants to continue to develop both football-wise and personally this season. That’s how I feel personally, too: I want to play as much as possible and be able to draw a positive conclusion for myself after the season.

Jimmy Kaparos.

You already know your way around Schalke and are aware of the quality of the Regionalliga West. What is the team’s goal for the coming season and what are your personal plans?

We want to play attractive soccer and have a successful season. Every single player wants to develop personally and as a player this season. That’s how I feel personally, too: I want to play as much as possible and be able to draw a positive conclusion for myself after the season.