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Kees van Wonderen: Taking confidence with us
The Royal Blues will end the year away at SV Elversberg on Friday (20/12). Ahead of the game, head coach Kees van Wonderen spoke about the challenge facing his side and the team’s recent development.
FC Schalke 04 can take plenty of confidence from the last two rounds of fixtures, having taken four points from strong performances against both SC Paderborn (4-2 win) and Fortuna Düsseldorf (1-1). “We knew that we would face a challenge against those teams above us in the table and that it would show us where we’re currently at,” van Wonderen said. “Our performances were good, which is the basis for good results. Now, we can take that confidence with us.”
The head coach added that he thinks his side are on a good path. “We’re continuing to develop and everyone can feel that we are able to put in strong performances against any opponent, as long as we play with the right intensity and fight for each other.” The Royal Blues will now look to do the same in Elversberg. Their upcoming opponents moved into first place for the first time this season after a 3-0 win at Eintracht Braunschweig last Sunday, and have the second-best record at home in 2024/25 after Hannover 96. “We want to end the year on a positive note, which is what we’ve worked hard for this week,” van Wonderen said.
Duo set to miss the game
It won’t be easy against the reigning league leaders, who have collected 28 points and won four of their last five games. “Elversberg are different from the other teams and also don’t have the same resources as many other clubs do,” the 55-year-old said. “Regardless, they are the league leaders because they have a team of creative players that play good football, and they don’t start to panic after a defeat.”
The head coach will be without two players this Friday night, as Amin Younes had to undergo a minor procedure on his knee on Wednesday and Tobias Mohr continues to work on his comeback. Van Wonderen in pleased with the progress that striker Emil Højlund has made since his return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. “His fitness levels keep getting better. He hasn’t fully recovered from his injury yet, but he’s made enough progress to be able to give it his all every day and bring that energy to the pitch,” he said. Højlund will be part of the matchday squad on Friday night.
We have an important game in Elversberg first. We want to get another successful result.
Schalke’s head coach is also looking forward to the upcoming winter break. “Everyone is working hard, so a couple days off will be good for us. Spending time with family is important in order to be able to rest and recharge, in order to be able to pick up where we leave off in January,” van Wonderen said. “We have an important game in Elversberg first. We want to get another successful result.”
