The S04 U23s lost their clash against the U23s of 1.FC Köln 0:1. Assan Ouedraogo’s comeback was the dominant topic afterwards.
FC Schalke 04’s U23s lost in front of 350 spectators at the Parkstadion on Sunday thanks to an early goal from Damian Downs in the 9th minute.
Schalke coach Jakob Fimpel criticized his team’s poor play, especially in the first half. After a good start, it was one of the weakest halves of the season. “That was totally disappointing,” said the S04 coach. “The goal we conceded completely pulled the plug on us.”
S04’s U23s then had more energy on the pitch in the second half, but were not rewarded for their extra power. By far the most positive thing from S04’s point of view was the comeback of Assan Ouedraogo. The S04 jewel, who is already being courted by the really big clubs, had not played since mid-November. A torn syndesmosis ligament was the reason he had to leave the U17 World Cup early and miss S04 for so long.
“He trained with us twice two days before the game and felt fine. He played one half as agreed,” revealed Fimpel after the defeat. After 45 minutes, Ouedraogoo made way for Marouane Balouk. “Individually, he was very good on the ball. But of course it’s also difficult when you have to attack and there’s a lot of cross-play at the back. He didn’t get many balls,” was Fimpel’s assessment of his performance. “But individually you can immediately see what he can do. I now hope that he gets into practice quickly.”
The most important thing: the outing went well, Ouedraogo gave the thumbs up afterwards: “He had no problems. Nothing at all. He feels free,” explained Fimpel.
For the U23s, Ouedraogo played centrally behind the strikers in a line with Paul Poepperl and Emmanuel Gyamfi. “It was fun,” said Paul Poepperl about the interplay with Ouedraogo.
Even if the attacking play in the first half was a bit of a problem and there weren’t many joint actions as a result. “He’s another three years younger than me and a bit more talented,” laughed Poepperl. It can be assumed that Ouedraogo will then show his skills again with the professionals next weekend
