Mike Büskens: We want to remain in first place

FC Schalke 04 returned to the Bundesliga at the first attempt after the 3-2 win over FC St. Pauli on matchday 33. The Royal Blues, however, still have one big aim in their sights going into the final game on Sunday (15/5, 15:30 CEST) at 1. FC Nürnberg. Mike Büskens and his team want to end the season as champions and lift the trophy after the final whistle at the Max-Morlock-Stadion this weekend.

2. Bundesliga

13.05.22, 11:02

Mike Büskens

“Aside from those involved in the first team, not too many people would be upset with us if we ended the season in second place because we’ve already won promotion,” said the 54-year-old. “We want to finish the season as champions. We’re all competitors and as competitors you want to win every game and win titles.”

This would be Buyo’s second 2. Bundesliga title

As well as the trophy, all the Schalke players would receive medals should the Knappen seal the title on Sunday. Büskens actually already has one himself, having won the second division with SpVgg Greuther Fürth ten years ago. “That still means a lot to me,” stated S04’s interim head coach, who will return to being assistant coach after this season at his own request.

Büskens revealed that the last few weeks have been really demanding for him. “That’s why I’m so relieved that we achieved our goal. The pressure on us was immense and everybody knows how much I love this club – that certainly didn’t make things any easier,” commented Büskens, who took over from Dimitrios Grammozis as head coach back at the start of March.

The energy at the whole club has been amazing to see.

Mike Büskens

This stress and pressure just makes promotion even sweeter for Buyo. “A lot of people wrote us off during this season. I’m just so proud of the team, the coaching staff and the whole club. The energy at the whole club has been amazing to see.”

Latza suspended, Lee back on the training ground

Everyone at the club will be hoping for a perfect end  to the 2021/22 season at the Max-Morlock-Stadion. Büskens wouldn’t (and couldn’t) yet reveal if he will rotate the team. “We’ve still got two training sessions left and we will only decide on the starting XI after them,” explained the coach.

One man who definitely won’t feature in Nürnberg is Danny Latza. The midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last time out and is therefore suspended, though the club captain will still travel down south to support his teammates. Dong-gyeong Lee remains unavailable for Büskens, but he has been back on the training ground this week for the first time since suffering a fractured metatarsal in February.

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