“We want to end the current phase as quickly as possible”

Schalke won against Karlsruhe last week and has a full squad available. Under Kees van Wonderen they have gained basic stability in the last few weeks and months. Overall, they have a team with incredible offensive quality. They have players in their ranks who can decide games. The first leg is currently not an issue in our minds. Both teams were in completely different phases back then. This was a game that comes around maybe once every 20 years. It was a special evening in which many factors came together.

Goals. Because everything in football boils down to that. We need mental stability. We still need our very proper defensive and offensive structure. In the last few weeks we have allowed the opponent far fewer chances to score. Now we have to finalise it defensively and offensively. We should not allow these few opportunities to happen. We have to score the goals ourselves from the currently not so many opportunities of our own – even if they are still there.

We are optimistic. Because we were able to welcome one or the other back this week. Because we bring a lot of factors to the pitch that suggest we break away. We also brought a very good mentality to the pitch in Braunschweig and really tried everything again when we were outnumbered. Overall, we are showing a very high level of willingness and there is a positive mood in the team that we want to turn it around as quickly as possible. You also notice that the boys‘ interaction on the pitch is quickly returning. Overall we are positive for the game on Sunday. We haven’t won too many games, haven’t scored points in too many games and we want to end this phase as quickly as possible. And there is little better opportunity than to do so on Sunday in such a traditional duel.

We generally never do the same thing in training every week. Situations change every weekend in football. Therefore, we train appropriately for the situation. We think from day to day and week to week about what the team needs and what is best for them. My impression of the team is that we are very stable. The boys talk to each other and not about each other. You are absolutely willing to push yourself to the limit and do whatever it takes to be successful.  It is also positive that this is rewarded. The fans don’t question that the team is giving it their all. There is no sign that we are falling apart. Instead, we continue to have great solidarity and great willingness. Therefore, my address to the team remains positive and encouraging. Still, I don’t touch anyone with kid gloves. If something doesn’t fit, it will be addressed clearly. But I don’t see anyone in the dressing room who doubts. Rather, there is still self-confidence and clarity. We have to maintain the positivity and belief.

It’s a good signal that Paul managed to extend early with a cornerstone of our team. Schuh is crucial for us with his personality, his experience and, above all, his performance. The extension also shows that the Lilies have a certain radiance. Schuh is an important building block for the next few years. The contract extension is therefore very good news for the present and the future of SV 98, which I am very happy about.