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Karel Geraerts on comebacks, character and successful debuts
Head coach Karel Geraerts and his Schalke squad were out on the training pitch for their first session of the week on Monday morning (26/8), less than 24 hours after the tense 2-2 draw against 1. FC Magdeburg. The Belgian also spoke about analysis and the team’s position after three 2. Bundesliga matches.
Karel Geraerts on…
…the game in Magdeburg:
We went back and analysed the match this morning. We looked at the moments that were good, but also the moments where we have to be better. The players understood the areas we need to improve in. Up until the equaliser, we controlled the first half, but the game turned after a couple of unlucky moments where Derry John Murkin slipped for the first goal, before the ball ended up in the back of the net for their second goal. Things like that can happen at any moment and you can’t do anything about it, but it’s still obviously a shame when it happens in a match.
…his team’s reaction after going behind:
Magdeburg were really good for the first 15 minutes of the second half. They applied a lot of pressure, but we defended well, which we didn’t manage to do in Nuremberg. Then, we turned the game around again somewhat in the final 25 minutes. We seized the initiative and the substitutes provided a breath of fresh air. After we levelled things up again, both sides had chances to win it.
Four points aren’t enough for us, but I’m happy with the performances so far.
…the character of the team:
I told the team after the game that I respected how they didn’t give up in the second half. Everyone went over and encouraged Derry (ed.: after Magdeburg’s equaliser). At the end of the day, he and the others gave it their all. Their reaction after the break put the impressive personality and character of the team on show.
…starting the season with four points from three games:
Four points aren’t enough for us, but I’m happy with the performances so far. You can see that we’re got potential and quality. We’ve still got room to improve.
They make us really dangerous going forward.
…Ibrahima Cissé:
Ibra played very well for 90 minutes off and on the ball. It’s only the second time that he’s played a whole game. He’s got the full backing of his teammates, the coaches and everyone else at the club. It wasn’t easy for him in the past, but he’s very talented and has a lot to offer. Now, it’s the club and the coaches’ job to make the most of his potential, help him improve and be by his side as he develops.
…Ilyes Hamache’s debut:
We saw that he’s very skilled on the ball and has a lot of success in one-on-one situations thanks to his pace. He went straight into the starting XI because we need an attacking player in his position and he’s just what we’re looking for. Amin Younes and Christopher Antwi-Adjei had good debuts, too. They make us really dangerous going forward.
