Thomas Reis: It’s up to us to make things better

“This week being so short isn’t a bad thing at all,” said Reis in reference to the short turnover period between games. He went on to explain how the team has critically analysed the defeat in Lower Saxony and have now set their sights on the match against Kiel. “Losing is a part of improving. We’ve got big expectations for Friday. We’re looking forward to playing at home,“ he emphasised. It’s clear that the head coach views the game as an opportunity to respond to the 1-0 loss to Braunschweig.

The Royal Blues want to be more aggressive against the team from Kiel than they were last Sunday. Reis is sure that, if this is the case, “then we’ll win games with our quality, which we undoubtedly possess.” “We have to be a lot more active, go for it from minute one, and make sure that everyone’s doing their job if we want to succeed,” the Schalke head coach added, whose excitement for the home fixture was clear to see. “I’m looking forward to the game, because I know that we can play better. And it’s up to us to make things better.”

Multiple options to replace Karaman

Reis is going to be forced to make at least one change to his starting XI since Kenan Karaman is set to be sidelined due to a muscle injury, as is Dominick Drexler. Young, talented alternatives are available in midfield in the form of Yusuf Kabadayi, Soichiro Kozuki and Assan Ouédraogo. “I’m happy that I’ve got these options to select from. They have been making a good impression,” says Reis, who also sees these players’ ages as a positive thing. “Sometimes you need a touch of that carefree nature.

Reis says that there could possibly be more changes, explaining that he would like to wait until the end of training this week to make his final decisions about the make-up of his starting XI. Sebastian Polter won’t be part of the squad once again as the striker will be absent for the second game in a row due a lacerated wound in his foot. Reis is hoping that the 32-year-old will be back available for the next away game against Wehen Wiesbaden (02/09).

Despite the loss at the weekend, Reis stressed that his side would be going into the next game full of purpose. Additionally, he called for the fans’ support, whilst also reminding his team of their responsibility. “If we put in a good performance, then this feeling of positivity will also be reflected amongst our fans. If that’s the case, then our fans will get behind us throughout the whole game.”