Kees van Wonderen: We have prepared well

The team’s previous outing is not such a distant memory, with the 4-1 win away to SV Elversberg to close out 2024 coming just 29 days ago. “We have only had a short break this year,” said the Schalke head coach. “We were already right back in the swing of things on 2nd January, undertaking our very beneficial training camp in Türkiye before returning to training here in Gelsenkirchen. We have worked hard in preparation for the task ahead of us in Braunschweig. We feel ready.”

After a short winter break, the Knappen are hoping that they can carry the positive momentum gained in December and during their training camp into the second half of the season. Schalke rounded out the previous calendar year with three strong performances, recording victories away to both SC Paderborn (4-2) and Elversberg as well as getting a 1-1 draw against Fortuna Düsseldorf. In Türkiye, they then followed this up with two wins over FC Aarau (3-1) and FC Zürich (3-0). Schalke also hold fond memories from the reverse fixture against Eintracht, the opening game of the season, when they emerged resounding 5-1 victors.

Kees van Wonderen nevertheless remains cautious ahead of the clash with the team second from bottom. “In the Netherlands, there’s a saying which goes: ‘you can see bears.’” This refers to the need for remaining alert even when everything seems to be going well. “We will have to be aware of potential danger, but this match also presents good opportunity. We need to remain focused, but preparation has gone well so far.”

The 56-year-old is also aware of the fact that Eintracht have enjoyed some success of late in light of their precarious position in the table. “They won twice during the winter break and their convincing victory over HSV also remains in the back of my mind.” Braunschweig have picked up some confidence through recent positive friendly results, recording a 2-1 win over Bundesliga side FC St. Pauli and a 4-2 victory over third division leaders FC Energie Cottbus.

Two familiar faces in the opposition ranks

Kees van Wonderen has a near full squad at his disposal for the upcoming clash, with the aim of registering a strong start to the second half of the season. Only Janik Bachmann and Amin Younes, who underwent surgery before Christmas, remain absent. Goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann and Lino Tempelmann are no longer available for selection (both loaned out to Eintracht Braunschweig) along with Bryan Lasme (on loan at Grasshopper Club Zürich). New signing Loris Karius bolsters the competition for Justin Heekeren’s place between the sticks. A decision on his involvement at the weekend will be made at short notice.

The head coach does not see two players having recently joined the opposition on loan as a disadvantage. “Both teams analyse each other in the lead-up to a game, using all the information at their disposal. That shouldn’t matter, though. We have prepared well and hope to build on the good foundation we have laid in recent weeks.”