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Timo Becker: Working as a team to improve in specific areas
For Timo Becker, the start of the new year couldn’t come soon enough. S04’s vice-captain was able to make his return from a knee injury with two cameos against Nürnberg and Braunschweig prior to the winter break, and is now raring to be fully involved once again.
The centre-back took full advantage of the winter break in order to rest and recharge after a busy end to the year. “I was able to recharge the batteries during my holiday and now I’m ready to do my part to help us be successful as a team,” he said, having worked diligently to make his comeback in December.
Becker’s aim was to be back in the starting line-up as soon as possible after suffering his injury back on matchday 7 against SpVgg Greuther Fürth. He knew that it would be no easy task, however: “Competition is a part of sports. I have to show the coach that I’m 100% fit again,” said the 28-year-old, who feels ready to give his all on the training pitch once again.
Competition is a part of sport. I have to show the coach that I’m 100% fit again.
Becker visibly enjoyed being back on the pitch with the team for the first session of the new year. “We’re all happy to be back,” he said, adding that the snow in Gelsenkirchen hasn’t put a damper on their preparations. “Despite the weather, we’ve got excellent conditions in Gelsenkirchen. The under-soil heating keeps the grass clear of snow, so that we’re able to prepare well for our upcoming matches.”
He added that there’s no concerns within the team of needing to work to get back into shape after the short winter break. Instead, they will be using the time to focus intently on specific areas, before their first game of 2026 against Hertha BSC. Finding the right balance in training is important, with Becker saying, “We’re working hard and want to improve with each and every day.”
Satisfied with the standings, but only halfway there
The current state of the 2. Bundesliga standings will have made every Schalke fan very happy heading into the winter break, while Becker & Co. know that their job isn’t done yet. “We know what we’ve been able to achieve so far, but are also aware that the second half of the season won’t be easy. It’s a tight race in the table. We’re staying focused on us and are taking it game by game,” he said.
After a day off on Monday, the team are set to welcome back captain Kenan Karaman, Vitalie Becker, Soufiane El-Faouzi, Loris Karius, Nikola Katic, Hasan Kuruçay, Ron Schallenberg and Moussa Sylla from their extended holidays on Tuesday (6/1).
The fact that several of his teammates were able to enjoy a longer winter break is something that Becker views through a positive lens. “The lads who were away on holiday a bit longer have earned it. They’ve played the full distance of nearly every game, have fought hard and are always there for the team,” he said. “It’s good that they have been able to rest and recharge a bit longer, because we will need each and every player in the second half of the season.”
