After 18 games and 29 points, FC Schalke 04’s second team is in eighth place in the Regionalliga West. Forecasting spoke to the coach about the first half of the season.

18 games, 29 points, eighth place: Jakob Fimpel, coach of FC Schalke 04’s reserve team, is satisfied with the half-time result in the Regionalliga West.

Jakob Fimpel about…

… the first half of the season for FC Schalke 04’s U23s: “Our start to the season with one point from three games was not what we had hoped for. At the start of the new season, we weren’t able to bring the necessary energy and power to the pitch as a team. From the third matchday onwards, we got into the season better, played more intensively and the results improved at the same time. We had a better phase in the middle of the season and now also had a positive end to the season with the 3:0 win against Düren and are rightly in the top half of the table. Overall, we played fast and good attacking soccer.”

… the best moment in the past season: “The best and most important moment in the first half of the season was the 6:3 away win in Gladbach. It was not only our first win of the season, but also a great game with lots of great attacks and ultimately goals. This victory gave us a lot of confidence and showed that we can rely on our own strengths. After that, we were able to play more freely. “

We’ve already put a few guys like Steven van der Sloot, Jimmy Kaparos and Nelson Amadin in a position to train with the licensed team in phases. Steven was also already in the second division squad. Some players also had the chance to show themselves in test matches.

Jakob Fimpel

.. the worst moment of the half-season: “The guys’ injuries immediately come to mind. Nicholas Engels and Romeo Ferreira came to us injured and suffered setbacks during the first half of the season. In the meantime, some important players such as Andreas Ivan and Pierre-Michel Lasogga were also missing. The absences hurt, but we were able to compensate for them well and spread the responsibility over more shoulders. Every one of our players is extremely ambitious and wants to take the next possible step. A loss is always particularly annoying. We hope that the boys stay injury-free in the new year.”

… the goals for 2024: “We’ve already put a few lads like Steven van der Sloot, Jimmy Kaparos and Nelson Amadin in a position where they can train with the licensed team in phases. Steven was also already in the second division squad. Some players also had the chance to show themselves in test matches. Individual development and permeability will always be one of the main goals at the Knappenschmiede. There are also internal goals that we have set ourselves and can still achieve in the new year. We are looking forward to the second half of the season and the start of winter preparations on January 4. “