Dimitrios Grammozis: Clean sheets belong to the whole team

After wins over Rostock, Ingolstadt and Hannover, FC Schalke 04 are looking to continue their good recent run on Saturday at home to SG Dynamo Dresden (23/10, 20:30 CEST). Head coach Dimitrios Grammozis may have several players available again after they have returned from injury.

Dimitrios Grammozis

“Danny Latza, Blendi Idrizi, Marc Rzatkowski and Dries Wouters have all been completely integrated back into full team training,” revealed Grammozis ahead of the game with last season’s 3. Liga winners. Those four players have been able to complete full training sessions recently, and have dealt well with the workload. “We’ll have to see if they’re an option for tomorrow’s squad. I’m mainly just happy that they’re now stable again,” said the coach.

Drexler a doubt

Dominick Drexler, on the other hand, is a doubt. The midfielder suffered a deep laceration during the 1-0 win at Hannover last Friday. “That had to be stitched up, and it’s not fully healed yet. The wound is not completely dry. We’ll have to wait and see if he’s ready for tomorrow,” commented Grammozis, who, like the players, is excited for the atmosphere at the VELTINS-Arena with more than 56,000 fans set to attend the game. “The lads are really excited. The match at Hannover showed us what a full stadium with great atmosphere can do. Our fans supported us brilliantly on that occasion too,” praised the 43-year-old.

Dresden can’t be underestimated despite recent results

Grammozis was quick to warn that S04 shouldn’t underestimate Dresden because of their recent form, with Dynamo losing five of their last six games. “They are a promoted side that started the season really well, but haven’t been as strong recently. We can’t forget that they beat Bremen convincingly just three matchdays ago though,” stated Grammozis. According to the S04 head coach, SGD’s strengths include their midfield diamond, which allows them to adapt their game easily, as well as their aim to play good football.

It’s obvious that we need everyone to work hard if we are to keep a clean sheet.

Dimitrios Grammozis

In order to keep Dresden’s attack quiet, Grammozis wants his players to work as a team again to try and keep a fourth consecutive clean sheet. “The fact that we’ve kept three clean sheets in a row is down to the whole team. It’s obvious that we need everyone to work hard if we’re to not concede any goals.”

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