Karel Geraerts: Difficult decisions and a positive dilemma

The 41-year-old has been happy with his team’s hard work in training over the last week ahead of the return of league action. “The lads have been extremely committed and pushed one another on the pitch. I’ve seen a decent amount of progress in training. We have communicated a lot with each other – I’ve given them a lot of feedback and picked up a fair few things too.”

Geraerts feels his work with the rest of his coaching team is also extremely important. As a result, Matthias Kreutzer and Mike Büskens will return to sit in the dugout for matches. They will be joined by Tim Smolders, Geraerts’ assistant coach from his time at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. “I can’t do it all by myself, I need my team around me too,” said the new boss.

Three fit goalkeepers to choose from

Geraerts has not yet settled on his starting XI for Karlsruhe. One decision he will have to make is who starts in goal. “Ralf Fährmann, Justin Heekeren and Michael Langer have all had a good week of training. They all have their own qualities,” praised the coach. “It’s a positive situation for me – I get to choose from three strong candidates.”

Geraerts also has a number of options in the other positions, which is why he will decide on his squad and starting XI after the final training session before the game. “There will definitely be one or two disappointed lads, however that is normal in football. You should be disappointed to not be playing. The important thing then is how the lads react. I need all of my players. I told them on my first day that everyone is starting at square one and will have a chance to impress me.”

Four players unavailable

The Royal Blues will be without Kenan Karaman this weekend. The attacker was sent off for a second booking late on against Hertha BSC last time out in the league. Cedric Brunner is also not ready to play as he continues to recover from his recent groin problem. Long-term injury concerns, Marius Müller (torn Achilles tendon) and Leo Greiml (torn ACL), remain unavailable.

Just like his starting XI, Geraerts wouldn’t reveal which formation he will be going with on Sunday. He went with a 3-5-2 system for the 4-1 friendly win over Heracles Almelo during the international break, but revealed after the game that this change in system wasn’t set in stone. “I’ve got an idea in my head,” he explained at this week’s press conference.

Geraerts has taken the time to study the opponents too: “KSC have not picked up the results they would like to so far,” he stated, referring to the fact that they are currently 14th on nine points. Nevertheless, he still feels they have a lot of quality in their team: “They have a clear style of play and a great stadium that was completed just a few weeks ago. I’m expecting a great atmosphere and an exciting game – I can’t wait!”