Matthias Kreutzer: We have to play with courage and determination

Matthias Kreutzer expects an intense game, in which both sides won’t gift their opponents any opportunities. “We have to play with courage and determination,” said the interim coach. He feels that the boys can’t get disheartened by setbacks in the game, as was the case recently against Paderborn. S04 started well in Ostwestfalen, but didn’t get stuck in enough after the hosts hit the bar and went 1-0 up shortly afterwards in order to pick up points.

A thorough look taken at the performance in Paderborn

Kreutzer has taken a thorough look at the 3-1 defeat with the team. “We all weren’t pleased and voiced our opinions to one another,” the 40-year-old reported. The interim coach described the conversation as “good, open and honest. The team is very cohesive and I haven’t seen any small groups forming. We are a team, including the coaching setup and staff.”

Kreutzer revealed that the training sessions this week have confirmed this assessment to be true, adding, “We’ve done everything as a team.” Among other things, the coach worked on defensive drills with his team, as “we’ve got to be stable. We can’t be conceding three goals every game.” The Royal Blues’ interim head coach hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a change of tactical approach for the game against Hertha BSC and wants to keep his cards close to his chest.

He described the opposition as a hard-working team with a lot of offensive firepower. He went on to mention that some of these attackers are more familiar than others, such as ex-Royal Blue Fabian Reese, whose dribbling and crossing skills have been on show this season. Kreutzer then spoke about striker Haris Tabakovic being Hertha’s target man. “We’ve got to brace ourselves for him,” said the interim head coach.

Terodde available again

Kreutzer will be able to incorporate his captain back into Schalke’s attack, as Simon Terodde is available for selection once again after being sidelined. This comes a week after Kenan Karaman and Bryan Lasme celebrated making their comebacks against Paderborn. The striker, who has recently been struggling with calf problems, had no problems in training last week and looked energetic, reported Kreutzer.

Ralf Fährmann and Danny Latza are still unavailable as they work their way back to full fitness. Leo Greiml (ruptured ACL) and Marius Müller (ruptured adductor tendon) join them on the sidelines.