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Youri Mulder on the decisive changes at half time and S04’s performance after the break
FC Schalke 04 came from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw in Hamburg on Saturday, 23rd November. Youri Mulder believes there are a number of reasons why the Royal Blues were able to snatch a point when all hope seemed lost. Our interim director of professional football has analysed the 90 minutes and praised the reaction of the team in the second half and the decisive changes made by head coach Kees van Wonderen.
“We fought our way back into the game from 2-0 down. That’s not easy at all when you’ve conceded twice in two minutes,” said the 55-year-old. “I thought the second half was good not only because of our fighting spirit but also how we played. That was how we want to be. We want to play attacking football and we did that. We also pressed really well.”
A brilliant equaliser
This approach paid dividends. The Dutchman saw the equaliser as exemplary of Schalke’s second-half performance. “The second goal came from a great move. Paul Seguin’s pass, Janik Bachmann’s run and subsequent cross and then Kenan Karaman’s finish were all excellent.”
Kees adapted our style of play well.
Mulder added that the head coach can also take credit for the Royal Blues coming back from two goals down. “Kees adapted our style of play well. We had two forwards in the second half, sometimes even three when we were attacking. That caused HSV problems.”
S04 could even have won the game at the end. “We had a few more chances, but on the other hand, Justin Heekeren made a few good saves,” said the Dutchman, referring to the opportunities in the second period.
A reward for good work in training
At the end of the day though, Mulder thinks that the point is okay. “Results are always important. The style of play is too though. And I can see that that’s improving step-by-step,” said Mulder. “We showed what we’ve got in the second half. Our defence did well, and we saw the good team spirit. The lads all worked together. When one player made a mistake, another was there to help out. That’s how it should be.”
Our interim director of professional football is sure that the team will be able to celebrate more good results and pick up some points before Christmas. “We want as many points as possible. Everyone’s working really hard in training. I can tell the players are improving not only on the ball but also physically. If you work hard every day, you’ll get your reward,” added the Dutchman, who is pleased with his countryman’s approach. “Kees always gives the players feedback, individually and as a team. That’s important because it’s the only way you can improve.”
