Dimitrios Grammozis spoilt for choice

After two defeats in a row — 1-0 in the DFB-Pokal at TSV 1860 München and 1-0 in the league at 1. FC Heidenheim — the coach is confident that the three points will be staying in Gelsenkirchen this week, after an “intense week of training in which the boys were fully focused”. Grammozis and the team went through the two most recent games and analysed them in detail. “We were very disappointed because in advance of the games we had set ourselves very different goals, but there is no use feeling sorry for ourselves. We are looking ahead and will try to turn our disappointment into positive energy,” said the 43-year-old. Recently, his side have not been convincing enough in the final third. “We have spoken about that and want to do better against Darmstadt.”

The Lilies are coming into the game with momentum. In October, they took ten points from a possible 12, and in that respect are the form team in the second division. Schalke have picked up nine points in the same time. Schalke’s coach has a lot of respect for what SVD have done in their last few outings. “Darmstadt have had a great season so far, especially in the last few weeks. They have two proper goalscorers up-front and play well as a team,” said Grammozis. “A big challenge awaits us, but we have also analysed where they are vulnerable.” A few players at Darmstadt still know the Schalke coach from his time at the Stadion am Böllenfalltor. In the past 18 months, however, personnel in some positions has also changed, said Grammozis.

Drexler returns, Wouters to miss out

The head coach of the Royal Blues can call on a squad nearly at full-strength when he decides who to start this weekend. Apart from Michael Langer, who is in rehab for the cruciate ligament injury he suffered at the end of September, only one other player will not be available. “Dries Wouters got hurt in training and will be out for a few days,” reported the coach. Dominick Drexler, who was sidelined recently by a wound, is back in contention. “The wound has healed and Domme took part in full training.”

The coach is pleased with number of players he can call on, though it does present some difficult decisions. “There will definitely be some who are disappointed. Everyone trained well but I can’t name a squad of 20 players. There is a lot of competition in many positions and everyone wants to play. The quality of training has also given us a boost,” said Grammozis. For me as a coach, it’s a nice problem to have, and it’s better than if the team picks itself.” The lineup will be decided after the final training session.