Before the first home game of the season against Kaiserslautern, Schalke coach Thomas Reis practices self-criticism. Here’s how Cissé handled a yellow card.

Even though the focus at FC Schalke 04 is naturally on the first home game of the season against 1. FC Kaiserslautern on Saturday (8:30 p.m./Sport 1), the 3:5 start at Hamburger SV is still having an effect.

As a result, coach Thomas Reis practiced self-criticism on Thursday. “I could have or even had to make a decision differently to give the team the security to take the point in the end,” said the 49-year-old at the press conference. He was referring to Ibrahima Cissé.

“I could have taken a player out earlier who was pre-loaded, who maybe couldn’t go into the duels like that anymore,” Reis said. Schalke defender Cissé had caused a penalty by tugging at Robert Glatzel and saw yellow in the 70th minute.

“For me it felt like he wasn’t screaming for a yellow-red,” Schalke coach Reis said. “In hindsight, we could have protected Ibrahima and maybe taken a point. I’ll take that on board – but I can deal with that. Nobody is flawless, you can learn from it. “

Reis explained, “I always question myself first.” That’s why the Schalke coach also came to the conclusion before the Lautern game: “We have to make the defensive behavior better, defend until the end. We have this expectation. In terms of soccer, however, we didn’t always find the right solutions in the beginning. There will be more support from me on the outside there, too.”

Schalke coach Reis spoke with Asamoah about Cissé

The week was not easy for Ibrahima Cissé. The 22-year-old center back had played a good U23 Africa Cup for Mali, had come to Gelsenkirchen with high hopes and expectations compared to his colleagues despite a shorter vacation – but experienced a weak professional debut for Schalke 04 in Hamburg.

Thomas Reis therefore did some build-up work: “It was important for me to talk to him. I also spoke with Asa (Gerald Asamoah, ed.). We were of the opinion that a break would do him good.” Ibrahima Cissé, however, had declined. Reis: “I left it up to him whether he wanted to have a few days and clear his head. He said, ‘That’s the way it is in soccer. Then that’s also a development, he’s willing to make things better again. “