Dominick Drexler: Only focused on winning the game

“My first days at Schalke were exciting. I only joined the team a few days ahead of the first game against HSV, but was warmly welcomed,” Drexler said. Despite the 3-1 defeat against Hamburger SV, the 31-year-old is remaining positive. “I always want to win, and that motivation is something I try to pass onto my teammates,” he said, adding that he always tries to be “aggressive” on the pitch, in a positive manner. “I won’t be giving that up,” Drexler said. “During the game, I’m only focused on winning.”

Drexler has been part of the Royal Blues for over a week now. Despite having joined the team late and having taken part in fewer training sessions with his new teammates, Drexler doesn’t see this as a disadvantage. “I think that the best way to build your stamina is by playing,” said the midfielder, who added that he is always prepared to go the extra mile in order to be successful.

The Bonn native described his style of play as being multi-faceted, and of being able to time his tackles perfectly – as we saw against HSV – wile also using his vision to potentially determine the course of a game. Drexler is well aware that captain Danny Latza’s absence will pose a challenge for him and his teammates. “We will need to make up for Danny’s absence,” Drexler said, adding that the team will be able to do because, “We have many different players in the squad that bring different qualities to the table.”

In order for this season to be a successful one, it will be important to play “with confidence” going into the upcoming games, regardless of who the opponents are. “I want us to develop a feeling of euphoria and win games,” he said. “If you’re able to be successful in as many games as possible, then that can give you a big boost.”