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

18 games, 29 points, eighth place: Jakob Fimpel, coach of the FC Schalke 04 reserves, is satisfied with the halfway point in the Regionalliga West.

Jakob Fimpel on……

the first half of the season for the U23 team at FC Schalke 04: “Our start to the season wasn’t as we’d hoped, with just one point from three games. At the beginning of the new season, we weren’t able to bring the necessary energy and power to the pitch as a team. From the third match day onwards, we settled into the season better, played more intensely and, at the same time, the results improved. We had a better phase in the middle of the season and now a positive end to the year with the 3-0 win against Düren and are rightly in the top half of the table. Overall, we have shown fast and good offensive football.”…

the best moment of the past season: ”The best and most important moment in the first half of the season was the 6-3 away win in Gladbach. Not only was it our first win of the season, but it was also a great game with many beautiful 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 already have some guys like Steven van der Sloot, Jimmy Kaparos and Nelson Amadin in a position to train with the licensed team at times. Steven has also been in the second division squad. Some players also had the chance to show themselves in test matches.

Jakob Fimpel

.. the worst moment of the first half of the season: “The injuries to the guys immediately come to mind. Nicholas Engels and Romeo Ferreira were already injured when they joined us and both suffered setbacks during the first half of the season. In the meantime, some important players like Andreas Ivan and Pierre-Michel Lasogba were also missing. The absences hurt, but we were able to compensate well and spread the responsibility across more shoulders. Every one of our players is extremely ambitious and wants to take the next possible step. That’s why an injury is always particularly annoying. We hope the boys stay injury-free in the new year.”…

the goals for 2024: ”We already have some boys like Steven van der Sloot, Jimmy Kaparos and Nelson Amadin in a position where they train with the professional squad in phases. Steven has also been in the second division squad. Some players have also had the chance to show themselves in test matches. Individual development and permeability will always be one of the main goals in the Knappenschmiede. In addition, there are 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 the winter preparation on January 4.”