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Kenan Karaman: We were too naïve
FC Schalke 04 lost 3-1 to 1. FC Köln on Sunday (1/9) in a game where both sides had good chances. We’ve gathered the most important quotes from head coaches Karel Geraerts and Gerhard Struber, as well as S04 captain Kenan Karaman and Ron Schallenberg.
Karel Geraerts:
We weren’t decisive enough today. We didn’t make good decisions in the first 45 and our defending for the first goal was sloppy. Köln punished us and converted both chances really well. At the break, we all felt re-energised since we knew that we were a goal away from getting back in the game with the fans behind us. But then we conceded the third goal after 30 seconds. Even after that, the players continued to give it their all and showed character. At the end of the day, Köln deserved to win.
Gerhard Struber:
It was a very intense game. We played the way we wanted to, especially in the first half. We scored at the right moments. We burst out of the blocks in the second half to make it 3-0 in style. You can see how things are coming together now. Overall, we deserved the three points.
Kenan Karaman:
We were too naïve for their goals. We shouldn’t be conceding three times at home. It’s important that we learn from our mistakes as quickly as possible. If we’d made it 3-2, we would’ve been able to put even more pressure on in the closing stages and try to get an equaliser. Unfortunately, it was just offside. We’ve conceded too many goals after four matchdays – it’s something we need to work on. We’ve got to try and get some points in Karslruhe.
Ron Schallenberg:
Obviously, we imagined the game turning out differently. Conceding the second goal just before half time hurt, and then they scored a third directly after the break. We can’t let that happen against strong teams like Köln. Our morale was good and I think that we’re pretty good going forward. Our defensive set-up was pretty solid, too, but we were too vulnerable after losing possession – we need to improve in that regard. Four points from four games isn’t the start we were hoping for. Now, we’re going to use the international break to work towards the game in Karlsruhe.
