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Karel Geraerts: We need to start rewarding our efforts again
After two losses in a row, FC Schalke 04 are hoping to get back to winning ways against SV Darmstadt 98 at the VELTINS-Arena on Friday (20/9, kick-off 18:30 CEST). “We are determined to win this home game,” says Karel Geraerts. The head coach has seen a very committed team in training this week so far, ahead of the encounter. “We’ve been very focused in our work,” explained the Belgian.
He also spoke about the 2-0 defeat in Karlsruhe. In the match at the Wildpark, Schalke conceded a goal just before the break, as they did in the previous matches against Köln and Magdeburg. “We’re not fully concentrated in some situations, which we’ve discussed,” revealed the coach.
Effort and mentality praised
After the successful start to the season with the 5-1 win against Eintracht Braunschweig, the team repeatedly got opportunities in the following games. “We were neither strong nor efficient enough. We need to change that,” said Geraerts. “My players put a lot into training so that we can be successful. The commitment is right, the mentality is good. Now we need to start rewarding our efforts again.”
My players put a lot into training so that we can be successful
Nevertheless, Schalke’s coach emphasised that it will be no walk in the park against the still winless Lilies. “We have respect for Darmstadt. They played in the Bundesliga last season.” Geraerts has been closely analysing the upcoming opponent’s previous performances, especially the recent 1-1 draw against Eintracht Braunschweig, in which Florian Kohfeldt celebrated his debut on the touchline. “I know him from Belgium, as he was head coach at Eupen who we also played against in a friendly over the winter,’ said Geraerts. “I think he’s a good coach and I spotted some interesting things in their match against Braunschweig.” These included a fresh tactical approach, encompassing a four-man defence instead of a five-man back-line.
Kalas back in team training
Ultimately, however, his own approach to the match bears more importance. “I have a few options in mind,” explained the 42-year-old. However, his starting line-up has not yet been finalised, as there are still a few question marks. There is hope that Tomas Kalas could once again be a candidate for the squad or even the eleven following his patellar tendon problems. The Czech returned to team training at the start of the week. “We’ll have a chat after the final training session and then decide whether Tomas can play against Darmstadt or not,” said the coach.
Taylan Bulut has also got back on the pitch with his teammates again recently. The defender returned from duty with the Germany U19 national team a week ago with pain in his heel and was unavailable against KSC. Paul Seguin, who was absent from that game due to groin problems, will also miss the clash with the Lilies. Janik Bachmann is a case of waiting and seeing after missing training this week due to illness.
