Darko Churlinov: A tough time comes to an end

Despite the tongue-in-cheek reply, Churlinov can be proud of a strong performance against FCN, during which he was an active presence in the Royal Blue attack on the way to helping his side to a 4-1 win. The 21-year-old got off to a strong start, as he partnered with Marvin Pieringer up top. He helped create several chances and won an impressive 70% of his challenges in the opening 30 minutes of the game.

Solo run to help open the scoring

Churlinov did well against Nürnberg’s Enrico Valentini and Asger Sörensen, beating them down the left wing and getting off a shot from a tight angle. Goalkeeper Christian Mathenia was only able to parry the shot as it fell to Thomas Ouwejan, who volleyed home the opener.

“Darko was very active in attack, and he’s difficult to defend in one-on-ones,” said sporting director Rouven Schröder. “He’s able to find his way through and is very skillful. After such a long time out with injury, he played with a lot of confidence today,” said Schröder, as Churlinov had missed the last three games due to a shoulder injury.

“It took longer than I had hoped. It was a tough time. I had to take it day by day and see how my shoulder felt,” said the North Macedonia international. “I’m so happy to be able to train and play again without feeling any pain. Being back on the pitch for the first time in nearly a month was a great feeling.”

On what was his first start in the league since the home game against Karlsruher SC in September, Churlinov managed to net Schalke’s third of the night with just five minutes left to play. He called it a “Reward for the tough time I have behind me.” Mathenia was once again unable to secure a shot, this time from Rodrigo Zalazar, as Churlinov kept his cool and rounded the ‘keeper. Four minutes later, he exited the pitch to a round of applause from the home fans, as Rufat Dadashov was subbed on.

Everyone giving it “100 per cent” against HSV

With an average age of just 25.4 years, Schalke’s starting line-up against FCN was the youngest they have fielded so far this season. However, Schalke’s youngsters fought hard to come back after Nürnberg equalised just after the break. “We reacted well to the goal and kept fighting. We really wanted to win and in the end we did, deservedly,” said Churlinov. Despite having several players out injured ahead of the final game of the year against Hamburger SV on Saturday (18/12, 20:30 CET), Churlinov remains optimistic. “Every player will have to give it 100 per cent,” he said. “We have enough quality in our team. If we give it 100 per cent, then I’m not worried at all.”