Dominick Drexler gave Schalke the lead in the 3:1 win against Bochum. He couldn’t understand his substitution in the 67th minute.

But Dominick Drexler was surprised. It was the 67th minute in the Revier derby between Schalke 04 and VfL Bochum, 1-1 in a hard-fought game, when the number 24 lit up on the digital scoreboard on the touchline.

The sign: Drexler had to go off, striker Sebastian Polter was ready to be substituted. Drexler signalled his lack of understanding, reluctantly left the pitch, looked angry, discussed with team manager Gerald Asamoah on the bench when the game had long since restarted. Although Schalke still won 3:1 (1-1) and the substitution proved to be the right one, Drexler’s reaction was a big topic after the game.

Kramer reassured: “It’s normal “

Coach Frank Kramer was also asked about it. Kramer’s reaction was initially very relaxed: “After the game, you’re happy, you clap and give each other a hug.” Drexler’s reaction would be dealt with, however: “We can discuss that another time.” But he didn’t find Drexler’s anger particularly bad: “It would be bad if I substituted a player who hugged me and said: ‘Thank God you took me down.’ That would be sad. It’s normal that Domme was unhappy and wanted to continue playing in this heated atmosphere, the stadium was on fire. “

Schalke coach Kramer: “Some things went well “

His decision, said Kramer mischievously, was not so wrong. The Schalkers played more purposefully forward with Polter, and the striker headed the goal himself for the 3:1 final score. “In hindsight, Domme also knows that some things went well. We are happy that a team can not only win with eleven men, but that others also contribute. Everything went right,” said Kramer.

And Drexler does not have to fear for his place in Schalke’s starting eleven. After preparing Simon Terodde’s goal in the 1-1 draw in Stuttgart a week ago, he now scored himself to give Schalke the lead. After a shot by Marius Bülter, he was the quickest to react and dusted off the rebound.