FC Schalke 04 against Borussia Mönchengladbach: It is the top match on the second Bundesliga matchday (Saturday, 18.30). This is what S04 coach Frank Kramer says about the personnel.
FC Schalke 04 welcomes Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday evening. It is the first home game after the Bundesliga return and at the same time the chance for the first win of the season. S04 messed up the start with the unfortunate 1:3 at 1. FC Köln. Dominick Drexler was shown a controversial red card. He will therefore be missing when Gladbach come to the Arena on Saturday with S04 promotion hero Ko Itakura.
Coach Frank Kramer, however, did not want to concern himself with the opener. “Cologne is ticked off, we are now looking ahead,” he said at the press conference on Thursday. What is needed against Gladbach? “Energy, heart, passion and a clear plan that we can follow. “
Schalke: Terodde is back, Larsson and Bülter starting eleven candidates
And: A replacement for the suspended Drexler. He started on the right in Cologne. With a change of system to two front players, however, Drexler would not have to be replaced in the same position. For example, Simon Terodde could start as the second striker. The goal scorer is “back in full training” and ready to play on Saturday.
The same applies to new signing Jordan Larsson. The 25-year-old has not had any preparation, they will have to wait and see his fitness level, but could “definitely throw him in”, Kramer said. “He is a type of player who radiates life. He is mobile and eager to play. He is good between the lines and comes through nimble actions. He can play a role. “
But favourite for the vacant place in the starting eleven: Marius Bülter. The attacker came off the bench against Cologne and scored the interim connection. “Bülti is an absolute candidate, he did well last week, scored the goal.”
Alongside Bülter, Terodde and Larsson, Sebastian Polter is the fourth striker in the bunch. He was in the starting eleven in the two competitive games so far, but remained goalless. “We now have four different types of strikers, so a lot more is possible. That makes us more variable,” said a delighted Kramer, who is feeling “huge anticipation” ahead of his first home game as S04 coach. “You could already see in Cologne what kind of energy the fans bring with them. Now there will be 60,000 Schalke fans. I’m looking forward to an amazing atmosphere. You get the feeling that the spectators are there on the pitch. That’s exactly the kind of unity and support we need. “