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Kees van Wonderen: That’s something we are adamant about changing
FC Schalke 04 travel to face Hertha BSC at 13:00 CET on Saturday (8/3) with over 10,000 fans of the Royal Blues also making the journey to the German capital, as was the case for the clash at the Olympiastadion last season as well. “There will be an unbelievable atmosphere,” said Kees van Wonderen. “We are very grateful that so many supporters are making the trip to offer their support. Our aim is to do all we can to ensure they go home happy come full-time.”
At the point of the reverse fixture, the Dutchman was still yet to take charge, instead watching on as a spectator inside the VELTINS-Arena. However, a day after that 2-2 draw, which U23s coach Jakob Fimpel was on the sidelines for, the 56-year-old signed his contract to officially become the new head coach of the Knappen. Hence, the capital club are the only remaining second-division side which van Wonderen is still yet to face during his tenure at FC Schalke 04.
Nevertheless, the head coach is fully aware of both the strengths and weaknesses possessed by the Berliners following their change of coach in mid-February (Stefan Leitl took over from Cristian Fiél). “Hertha are a strong side with a lot of good players,” reported van Wonderen. “Things simply haven’t gone to plan for them in recent weeks but many second-tier teams have experienced similar phases this season. No doubt, our opponents will be looking to bounce back from that 4-0 defeat in Elversberg but that is something we are prepared for.” Leitl’s first game in charge resulted in a goalless draw at home to 1. FC Nürnberg.
We are very grateful that so many supporters are making the trip to offer their support. Our aim is to do all we can to ensure they go home happy come full-time.
Hertha BSC have found home matches tough going so far this season, leaving them 14th in the table. The Old Lady have collected just eight points on their own patch to this point, losing seven of their fixtures at the Olympiastadion already. Van Wonderen does not see it getting any easier for the capital club either, since “we are heading to Berlin fully intent on getting the three points. We are still yet to win back-to-back games this season and that’s something we are adamant about changing.”
Three players could make their returns
Van Wonderen has a wider pool of players to select his matchday squad from since captain Kenan Karaman is back available, along with Tobias Mohr. Both missed the games against Darmstadt and Münster due to illness. Max Grüger can also be called upon again after serving a suspension last time out.
Ron Schallenberg remain unavailable, however, due to a persistent calf injury. Nevertheless, van Wonderen explained that the defensive player is nearing a return. “Ron is already back doing work with the ball. Whether he’ll be back for the Hannover game is still up in the air, though.” The 26-year-old should make his return following the next international break at the latest, which is set for the weekend after the clash with H96.
In addition to Schallenberg, Moussa Sylla (muscle fibre strain), Emil Højlund (thigh injury), Zaid Tchibara (underwent operation last Monday following cruciate ligament tear) and Ilyes Hamache (Achilles tendon injury) are also all out of action.
