Schalke needs goals, so it’s encouraging that two experienced offensive players are back on board ahead of the basement battle against Regensburg. Here’s how the S04 coach is approaching the match.
FC Schalke faces a crucial home game against Jahn Regensburg on Sunday (1:30 p.m.). Sixteenth-placed Schalke welcomes bottom-of-the-table Regensburg.
Schalke coach Kees van Wonderen is keen to finally celebrate his first win with his new team. If they fail to do so, Schalke could even lose this match and face the prospect of finishing bottom of the table if Braunschweig pick up points against HSV.
It’s clear that the coach and his team are under a lot of pressure early on after another disappointing season. At the press conference before the game, van Wonderen emphasized: “Regensburg has won its last two games. We expect an organized team. We also expect to have more possession. We have to play at a high tempo, find the spaces between the lines, and get behind the defense. That’s what we’re preparing for.”
And the Dutchman knows that a defeat or a draw are not really options. That’s why he says: “Success has to come quickly. But when I see how full of energy the players are, I’m feeling confident about Sunday’s game.”
But when I see how full of energy the players are, I’m feeling confident about Sunday’s game.
Kees van Wonderen
New to his coaching team will be former Schalke pro Tim Hoogland. Van Wonderen: “Tim has made a very good impression. He fits in very well with the others.”
What gives the coach courage: Christopher Antwi-Adjei and Moussa Sylla, two experienced players, are returning to the offense and can give new impetus to the recently weak offense.
Ibrahima Cissé, however, will continue to be unavailable as he is ill and with the U23s. His coach explained: “He is still not able to train or play. He needs to get back to a good physical level first. When Jakob Fimpel tells me that he is at the level he needs to be for the first team, we will bring him back. But I haven’t heard that from Jakob yet.”
This is how FC Schalke could line up against Jahn Regensburg
Heekeren – Bulut, Kalas, Kaminski, Murkin – Grüger, Seguin – Schallenberg, Mohr – Sylla, Karaman
Absent: Cissé (rehab), Gantenbein (muscle problems), Höjlund (muscle problems), Lasme (muscle problems)