Kees van Wonderen: A great sign

Despite being 2-0 down at half time, FC Schalke 04 still managed to take a point from Saturday night’s trip (23/11) to Hamburger SV. Kees van Wonderen and HSV coach Steffen Baumgart discussed the 2-2 draw at the post-match press conference at the Volksparkstadion, while Kenan Karaman and Ron Schallenberg also gave their thoughts.

Kees van Wonderen:

I’m proud of how the team played in the second half. After conceding two quick goals and going into the break 2-0 down, playing with that attitude and spirit was a great sign. We changed a few things tactically and made a few adjustments, which the team did well. The way we dealt with our mistakes was also important. You always have to keep on going and not totally collapse. We wanted to get a goal back quickly in the second half as we knew the game would be a lot more open then. We could even have won it in the end, though HSV had chances too at the death. My team gave their all. If we continue leaving everything out there like we did tonight, we’ll get what we deserve in the coming games.

Steffen Baumgart:

The first half was good – we did a lot of the things we had set out to do before the game. We played with a lot of energy. We had two chances after the break that we didn’t take. Schalke then had a period of pressure without any initial chances. The ball just fell right at their attacker’s feet for their first goal. It was a bit chaotic in the 10 minutes after that goal. We then had three or four good opportunities in the closing stages, but failed to take them. We keep on showing that we can win these games – but we simply aren’t winning them.

Kenan Karaman:

We showed a good reaction to going into half time 2-0 behind. The changes we made at the break paid off. We pressed them higher up the pitch and Hamburg didn’t really have an answer to it. We controlled possession and then took our chances. I almost scored another goal after my equaliser. I was in a good shooting position and took a touch too many, it would’ve been better if I’d shot sooner. We’ll take the point in the end. We can build on our performance in the second half.

Ron Schallenberg:

We had nothing to lose after going 2-0 down. My feelings are still mixed after full time. Our second-half performance was really good, we showed a great reaction to our two-goal deficit and Kenan Karaman almost scored another one after his equaliser. I’m annoyed about my mistake for their second goal, it was obviously my fault. In nine out of 10 cases, a game like that is over after that, so I’m pleased that we’re not going home empty-handed tonight.

You may also be interested in

hamburg_03-1440×810

S04 come from two goals down to pick up a point in Hamburg

FC Schalke 04 drew 2-2 away at Hamburger SV on Saturday night (23/11). The hosts were 2-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Marco Richter and Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer, but Amin Younes and Kenan Karaman were on target in the second half to turn the game around.

241120_sylla-1440×810

Moussa Sylla: All the players want more

After missing two games due to injury, Moussa Sylla returned to face SSV Jahn Regensburg and immediately got himself on the scoresheet to make it 2-0, the final scoreline at the VELTINS-Arena. Despite that win, Sylla wasn’t unhappy about it being followed directly by an international break, allowing him and the team to recharge the batteries ahead of the trip to Hamburger SV this Saturday (23/11).

241121_van_wonderen-1440×810

Kees van Wonderen: It’s a big challenge – but we’re up for it

FC Schalke 04 are away at Hamburger SV at the primetime slot of 20:30 CET on Saturday night (23/11). “I’m expecting a really interesting game,” said Kees van Wonderen, whose side have picked up four points from their last two matches without conceding a single goal, a run he is hoping will continue this weekend.

241120_heekeren-1440×810

Justin Heekeren: I dreamt of it as a young boy

After a clause was activated in his contract, Justin Heekeren’s deal is now valid until 2026. The goalkeeper spoke to the media after the announcement to discuss a childhood dream come true, his fellow goalkeepers, consecutive clean sheets and this weekend’s trip to Hamburger SV.