Domenico Tedesco: Mistakes are allowed, as long as we show intent

Almost two weeks without Bundesliga football are finally at an end. Die Knappen travel to Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday. The aim is clear: put three points in the bank for the first time this season. Domenico Tedesco wants a determined all-out attacking performance from his team, even if it means a risk of losing possession. “We have a lot of faith in our lads, whatever their age. We will forgive the odd mistake, as long as we show intent”, asserted the coach.

Tedesco emphasises “unbelievable quality” in attack

It’s hugely important to get the strikers into the game. “We need to feed them, they’re virtually starving at the minute”, Tedesco said with the first two Bundesliga games in mind. The team has some “unbelievable quality” in attack, which he hopes will come to fruition in Mönchengladbach. “Set pieces have been a weapon in our armoury for many years and with players like Salif Sané amongst our ranks, the same is true today”, acknowledged the coach. Tedesco, who turned 33 on Wednesday, refused to look at the two opening Bundesliga defeats through rose-tinted spectacles. Rather, we must “learn from these two matches and take away important ideas”.

Tedesco has a lot of praise for the upcoming opponent. “They command good positional play and have several quality one-on-one players both on the wings and in the middle of the park”, Tedesco said about Dieter Hecking’s team. “They pose a threat in the opposition box after just a few passes in possession”, he warned.

Haul ourselves back on track with courageous football

Although the performances in the first two games did not inspire much confidence, Tedesco is convinced that the team is well set to take three points away from BORUSSIA-PARK. Last season had its fair share of difficult phases, where results didn’t go Schalke’s way. Together with the players, he has tweaked a few things, “so that we perform well and become that awkward team to play against; that team from last season who struck fear in the eyes of many of its opponents.”

Tedesco understandably won’t reveal which eleven he will chose for the clash. Central defender Matija Nastasic is available for selection again after his sending off against Wolfsburg. Weston McKennie is also fit again after picking up a bruised knee whilst on international duty with the USA. Currently unavailable are the suspended Yevhen Konoplyanka and the injured Steven Skrzybski.