Kerim Calhanoglu: That’s what defines us as a team

Calhanoglu started at left wing against both Hansa Rostock and FC Ingolstadt in place of Thomas Ouwejan, who missed the match with muscular issues. “Their absences are tough to take, because they are important players in our team,” he said about his recently injured teammates, before adding that the squad’s depth means they are able to compensate in these cases. “That’s what defines us as a team,” said the 19-year-old, who is hoping to head into the upcoming international break with a winning feeling. The aim is to take three points off Hannover 96 on Saturday (19/3) in order to put Schalke on the right path heading into the closing stages of the season.

It’s been a week now since Mike Büskens took over as head coach until the end of the season. “The first training sessions showed that it will be a lot of fun,” said Calhanoglu about his new coach. Like the other young players in the squad, he has a special relationship with Büskens. “He really includes us younger players and helps us to fix any small mistakes we might make,” Calhanoglu said.

Calhanoglu eager to continue learning

He added that he still has a lot to learn, given his young age, but that he has been able to pick up several tips just from watching Thomas Ouwejan over the last months. “Thomas is incredibly good at set pieces and crosses,” he said, “If he finds himself in a tight spot, then he always finds a way to get out of it. His attacking play is very impressive.”