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Kenan Karaman: We wanted to give something back to the fans
After missing two games through illness, Kenan Karaman came back into the side for the trip to face Hertha BSC on Saturday (8/3). He marked his return in some style, netting the winning goal from the spot to make it 2-1. After leading some exuberant celebrations with the 25,000 travelling Schalke fans following the full-time whistle at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, the forward expressed his delight for three hard-fought points.
“I emphasised to the lads before the game that we need to maintain our good momentum and to connect with the fans,” explained Karaman, who went on to reiterate how well his team operated in the half-spaces in the first period before grabbing the opening goal at just the right moment. Being able to celebrate two wins in a row for the first time this season was the clear aim ahead of proceedings. “We trained with a great intensity this week,” Karaman continued. “We wanted to give something back to the fans, who we knew would be travelling to Berlin in great numbers.”
Karaman up to 12 for the campaign
Schalke deservedly went one up on 26 minutes when Tomas Kalas headed home before Fabian Reese equalised just five minutes after half-time. Karaman ensured that the game would not stay levek, however. Following a foul in the box on Pape Meïssa Ba by Ibrahim Maza, the 31-year-old kept his cool from 12 yards to send the ball past Hertha keeper Tjark Ernst for his 12th goal of the season.
After the Knappen regained the lead, the capital club increased the pressure, which led to them receiving a number of presentable opportunities. “We sat back somewhat during the second period and looked to primarily withstand the pressure. We also have to admit that we were rather fortunate not to concede since we presented Hertha with some decent chances. Nevertheless, the drive from the team was right on point,” analysed Karaman. He also mentioned that possession was lost too easily and too often, preventing the pressure from being relinquished for any extended period of time. “What we could have done better is perhaps commit a tactical foul or two or just hold the ball up further up the pitch so those are the areas for improvement.”
Going into the Hannover clash with confidence
Karaman may have even added a third goal to settle the issue in the 81st minute. Due to a backpass collected by Ernst, the Royal Blues were awarded an indirect free-kick six yards from goal. “Paul and I conferred about how to approach it but it’s tricky to find a gap when there are 11 players stood on the goal line. I simply tried to stick it in the far corner.” Karaman’s effort was ultimately blocked by Deyovaisio Zeefuik.
Although another goal may have helped to calm some nerves, with the score still at 2-1 a quarter of an hour later come the final whistle, the celebrations from the visiting Schalke fans would have been all the louder.
Karaman has already turned his attention to the next task that awaits, with S04 hosting Hannover 96 at the VELTINS-Arena on Friday night (14/3). “Our target is to produce another good display in order to get another victory by using the confidence we have established. Against Hannover, we are aiming for three more points.”
