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Kees van Wonderen: Another tough test awaits
FC Schalke 04 take on SV Darmstadt 98 on Sunday (23/2) at 13:30 CET, with their opponents sitting just two points below them in the league table. Nevertheless, that means Kees van Wonderen’s side have the chance to establish some breathing room by extending the gap between the teams to five points. The head coach is acutely aware of the fact that getting a result against the Lilies is far from a given, however.
After playing Bundesliga football last term, Darmstadt had a tough start to life on their return to the second division and, although a run of form was produced before the winter break, they are still yet to win in 2025. The second half of the season has seen the Lilies record just a single point and score only twice over the course of their previous five matches. “Darmstadt are going through a rough patch right now, finding things tricky since the turn of the year,” said van Wonderen. The Dutch coach does not see this as anything particular unusual for a Bundesliga 2 side, however. “Nearly every team has experienced a sticky period so far this season.”
Darmstadt pulled off a number of big results before the winter break and some of those in convincing fashion.
The 56-year-old is fully aware of what his team’s next opponents are capable of: “Darmstadt pulled off a number of big results before the winter break and some of those in convincing fashion,” referencing 5-1 wins over 1. FC Köln and 1. FC Kaiserslautern, who both occupy spots in the upper reaches of the league standings. The reverse fixture at the VELTINS-Arena was a clear indicator that the Lilies never give in after they came back from 3-0 down to defeat the Royal Blues 5-3 on matchday 6.
Van Wonderen pleased by an intense week of training
That first meeting between the sides this season, at which point van Wonderen was still yet to be appointed as head coach, has played little role in the preparations for the upcoming fixture. Rather, the coaching staff and players have focused on the present.
The recent 2-1 win over Karlsruher SC was analysed in detail before focus turned to the clash with the Lilies: “We should have been more effective in some counter-attacking situations against KSC,” explained van Wonderen. The head coach is nevertheless feeling satisfied after a positive week’s work in training. “We’ve worked hard and made further progress. Another tough test awaits in the form of Darmstadt. As is the case in every match, we need to be on our game if we are to get a result since nothing comes easily in this league. That much is clear each weekend.”
A number of doubts remain regarding the fitness of some players heading into the upcoming contest. “A couple of players are suffering from knocks,” reported van Wonderen. Moussa Sylla (muscle fibre strain) and Emil Højlund (thigh injury) both remain absent. “It’s a case of waiting and seeing for a few others. There are still two days until the game, though, so we will see how things pan out.” The coach did not want to disclose which players are at risk of missing the game. Regardless of who ends up fit enough for the clash, the Dutchman emphasised the fact that he will be able to put together a very capable 20-man squad.
