Search
Login
Please log in with your user data.
Youri Mulder: We’re not going to change everything now
When FC Schalke 04 host Hannover 96 at the VELTINS-Arena on Sunday (15/3) at 13:30 CET, the side with the second-best home record in Bundesliga 2 will take on the division’s strongest away team. Just five points separate the two clubs in the table and Youri Mulder knows how important the game is, but also stressed that every match between now and the end of the season is worth the same three points.
“Every game matters,” underlined the director of professional football. “We’re not going to change everything now just because we’re up against a fellow side near the top of the table. That will be the same next week as well ahead of the game in Darmstadt.”
What matters more, Mulder explained, is self-belief and confidence. “That’s what we need if we want to be successful and both are things we have to keep picking up in training every single day.”
We’re in a good place overall, but there are still a lot of areas where we can improve.
The Dutchman explained that “our team have been approaching each game with real focus since the start of the season. We’re in a good place overall, but there are still a lot of areas where we can improve. I think we’re on the right track, and in every training session I can see that the team want to take another step forward.”
Mulder also had praise for the club’s winter signings. “The lads are all doing very well. Adil Aouchiche, Edin Džeko, Dejan Ljubičić, Kevin Müller and Moussa Ndiaye are very good players – and good players settle quickly in a new environment,” said Mulder. “None of the five needed much time to get going and they were able to show what they are capable of straight away.”
Meeting earlier this season not important anymore
In the reverse fixture, the Royal Blues produced a convincing performance in Hannover, winning 3-0 thanks to a Moussa Sylla brace and a goal from Christian Gomis. “Good memories,” reflected Mulder. “But that means nothing now – Sunday’s game will as always start at 0-0.”
The 56-year-old does not see Hannover’s recent 2-1 home defeat to Fürth as an advantage for Schalke. “Our opponents will travel here highly motivated and will want to put that defeat right. Regardless of that, we know we’re facing a very strong side, but it’s a challenge we’re happy to take on and we’re looking forward to the game.”
