Thomas Reis: Looking forward to a great atmosphere at the VELTINS-Arena

FC Schalke 04 are back in league action on Saturday (16/9) after the conclusion of the international break. 1. FC Magdeburg are the visitors for a 20:30 CEST kick-off at the VELTINS-Arena. Thomas Reis’ side are looking to end FCM’s five-game unbeaten run, which sees them sit third in the table going into matchday 6.

2. Bundesliga

14.09.23, 16:42

The head coach is once again looking forward to the fantastic atmosphere at the VELTINS-Arena, which is likely to be even more special against the former European Cup Winners‘ Cup champions. “Magdeburg have brilliant away support. Combined with our fans, it will possibly be the loudest game of the season,” said the 49-year-old.

FCM won 6-4 last time out

Reis closely studied their style of play during the international break: “Magdeburg are extremely brave, take lots of risks and are dangerous in transition. They want to get the ball forward quickly, but hardly hit any long balls,” he revealed. “Their games tend to be extremely entertaining.” One example of that was their most recent league match, a 6-4 victory at home to Hertha BSC.

To combat Magdeburg’s strengths, Reis wants his team to be compact the back, which will then provide the basis for an improved performance on the ball. He felt that his team did that well for large parts of the 4-2 friendly win in Ulm last Friday, and that led to some nicely-worked goals too. The head coach reported that his side trained with real focus during the international break and have taken a step in the right direction.

Idrizi and Drexler back in training

Blendi Idrizi has returned to training recently, as well as Dominick Drexler. The midfielder missed the last two league games due to injury. “We’ll have to see if he makes the squad or even starts the game,” commented Reis. Leo Greiml (torn ACL), Bryan Lasme and Kenan Karaman (muscular issues) remain on the sidelines. Lasme and Karaman aren’t far off returning to training though. “Bryan is the next one who will return to training. I hope Kenan won’t need that much longer either.”

Ralf Fährmann will not be an option for Reis on Saturday. The goalkeeper has an issue with his Achilles tendon. Midfielder Ron Schallenberg will serve the final game of his two-match suspension following his red card against Holstein Kiel. Captain Simon Terodde may also miss out, having only trained individually over the past few days.

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