Difficult decisions for Dimitrios Grammozis

“We’ve performed really well over the past few games – our football has been good and we’ve shown the required fight and character,” reflected the head coach. “We need this complete package again to be able to win in Düsseldorf too.”

The 43-year-old will have a different managerial counterpart to the reverse fixture earlier this season after Christian Preußer was let go by Fortuna in the days leading up to this game. His successor is Daniel Thioune. This change of coach will definitely impact Düsseldorf, according to Grammozis: “The lads who haven’t been playing much recently there will see their chance and will want to impress. Daniel Thioune will also get them firing.” Schalke’s coach is expecting a highly motivated and aggressive opponent this Sunday.

“You obviously like to have an idea of how the opponent will set up before the game, but this allows us to concentrate more on ourselves,” said Grammozis. The S04 boss hasn’t just been pleased with his side’s results recently, but also the way they have come. He was delighted that the whole team contributed to the 2-1 win over SSV Jahn Regensburg, not just the starting XI. “We all got that win together,” added Grammozis, who praised the team’s togetherness.

Several players unavailable

Due to a number of players pushing for a place in the starting XI, Grammozis once again feels that “he’s got a number of tough decisions to make.” This, however, is a good thing in his opinion, as it means that there’s lots of quality throughout the squad. The team will definitely look slightly different to the one that began against Regensburg. That is because Andreas Vindheim is unavailable after coming off early during that game. The Norwegian has suffered a muscular injury to his calf. “I can’t yet say whether or not he’ll miss the next few games,” reported Grammozis.

Mehmet Can Aydin, who would be another option for the right-hand side, is also out. The Germany U20 international remains sidelined with a thigh problem. Grammozis revealed that Aydin’s rehabilitation is going to plan. A further three players will also not feature in Düsseldorf: Dominick Drexler (Covid-19 infection), Danny Latza (appendix operation) and Michael Langer (rehabilitation training after torn ACL). Grammozis commented: “We’re still waiting for Domme to return a negative test so he can leave isolation. Danny is back working individually and has already done some running sessions. Michi is on course with his rehabilitation.”

Several options for the right flank

Despite these absentees, Grammozis won’t be complaining. “We’ll accept the situation for what it is and find solutions.” One decision the coach has to make is who starts on the right flank. “We’ve got several options. One of them is obviously Reinhold Ranftl, but another guy could start there.”

As always, a final decision on the starting line-up will be made after the final training session. One player looking to impress there will be Dong-gyeong Lee, who joined from Ulsan Hyundai on loan on deadline day. He wasn’t part of the matchday squad against Regensburg last time out having just arrived back from international duty with South Korea. The attacker could be included in the squad for the first time in Düsseldorf: “Lee is definitely an option for the squad,” said Grammozis.