“No mercy for Schalke” – Elversberg sounds after coup

In the 1:2 defeat to SV Elversberg, FC Schalke 04 hit a new low. Then there was also gloating from the opponent.

Whoever wins has good reason to laugh. And whoever wins 2:1 at FC Schalke 04 as the village club SV Elversberg, all the more so.

Jannik Rochelt was in a correspondingly good mood after the game for the post-match discussion in the mixed zone. The scorer of the second goal of the game explained how he got on the scoresheet, beating Justin Heekeren with an artful shot from the edge of the box into the far post. “I saw that there was a bit of space and just went for it,” said Rochelt.

For the Elversberg players, it was certainly the game of their lives. Two years ago, many of them were still playing in the regional league. And now, they were playing in front of 61,110 spectators in the Schalke Arena. “It was amazing,” said Rochelt. “The fans and stadium were great. We knew it would be good and that we would face some tough challenges. But everyone went into the game with a certain sense of anticipation. We were really looking forward to the day when we got to play here.”

The backdrop spurred him on. ‘That’s what makes playing football worthwhile. These are the games you most want to play in,’ said the Elversberg player. ‘And if you saw the game, then the others felt the same way.’

But it didn’t get too tight even after Schalke took the lead, although the hosts still had a chance or two. But they defended very well throughout the game. “We knew that we could do well here if we played our game,” explained the 25-year-old. “Of course, it’s a bigger challenge than when you play in front of 20,000.”

1,495 fans traveled to Gelsenkirchen from the town in Saarland, which has a population of 13,000. “When I heard that so many were coming, I was a bit surprised too. I was pleased that so many came. I think it was worth it,” smirked Rochelt.

He has no sympathy for the 180,000-member club, FC Schalke 04, which may slip back into a relegation spot after the match day. “I don’t think you have to feel sorry for Schalke 04,” he said. “I think it’s a difficult situation for Schalke right now after being relegated. But ultimately, we just did our thing.”