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Kees van Wonderen: Build on the positive energy from the HSV game
FC Schalke 04 will face 1. FC Kaiserslautern at the VELTINS-Arena on Friday night (29/11). While the visitors are in good form at the minute, the Royal Blues have also started a mini unbeaten run of their own.
The Red Devils are undefeated in their last five league games and sit just two points off third place. “Kaiserslautern have good players and are extremely well-organised. They’re well led by their coach Markus Anfang,” commented Kees van Wonderen. The Dutchman knows it’s going to be a tough test at home tomorrow evening, but he’s well up for the challenge: “They’re on a good run, but we’ve prepared well and will look to build on the positive energy from the game in Hamburg.”
This is what we want to see regularly – both with and without the ball.
S04 themselves are now on a three-match unbeaten run in the league and came from 2-0 down at half time to pick up a point at Hamburger SV last time out thanks to goals from Amin Younes and Kenan Karaman. Prior to the trip up north to HSV, the Royal Blues drew 0-0 in Ulm and beat Regensburg 2-0 in Gelsenkirchen. “We saw a positive sign from the team in the second half at Hamburg. I really liked the energy and the way they played,” praised van Wonderen. “This is what we want to see regularly – both with and without the ball.”
Schalke will again come up against a dangerous attack, one which includes striker Ragnar Ache. The former Germany U21 international has scored eight goals this season and has taken a league-high 48 shots. Van Wonderen nevertheless believes his team will be able to deal with the opposition’s threat. “Every game is different, but I see the potential our side has to keep on improving and be more solid.” The Dutchman is generally pleased with the development of his team. “I feel that our foundation is becoming more stable, allowing the team to develop further.”
More players available
One reason for the team’s development has been fewer injury concerns. Only Tobias Mohr and Vitalie Becker have been missing in training this week, allowing van Wonderen to choose from practically the full squad. “It massively helps when we don’t have to make lots of changes each week and we don’t need to play players in unnatural positions.”
There will however be a small change in the dugout for Friday’s game. Goalkeeping coach Stephan Loboué is suspended for one match after his red card in Hamburg. Michael Langer will take over his duties: “He’s a keeper with lots of experience and he’ll do a good job of filling in,” stated van Wonderen.
