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Kees van Wonderen: We need to be at the top of our game
The Royal Blues will take to the VELTINS-Arena pitch for the first time in 2025 when the Knappen host 1. FC Nürnberg for a 13:00 CET kick-off in their opening home match of the new calendar year. Head coach Kees van Wonderen spoke ahead of the clash on Saturday (25/01) in his press conference.
S04 last played in front of their home fans a full six weeks ago and are looking forward to the return of football to Gelsenkirchen. “We are excited about the prospect of this clash with a tough opponent who is sure to present us with a tricky task,” said van Wonderen. The fact that his side only won two home matches during the first half of the campaign, against Eintracht Braunschweig (5-1) and SSV Jahn Regensburg (2-0), is not too worrying for the head coach: “There isn’t any issue for us, playing at home. It simply took a bit of time for us to improve and get on track. We have a better set-up these days and are looking forward to the upcoming game.”
Nürnberg utilise good positional play in order to work well in small spaces. However, our focus remains on us and what we are capable of.
Creating a good atmosphere at home is essential for Schalke if they are to perform well over the coming weeks. However, the 56-year-old Dutchman pointed out the difficulty of the tasks that now lie ahead: “There isn’t much to separate anyone in this division so you have to be on top form each week in order to get results.” The goalless draw away to Eintracht Braunschweig proved that there are no easy wins.
Nürnberg enjoyed a more successful start to the year, securing a 2-1 home win over Karlsruher SC with a goal in stoppage time. “They set up well and play good football. They have a positive attitude both in and out of possession,” explained van Wonderen. “Nürnberg utilise good positional play in order to work well in small spaces. However, our focus remains on us and what we are capable of. We need to be at the top of our game and that is what we are concentrating on.”
Donkor to fill in for the injured Murkin
There will be at least one change to the starting XI in comparison with the team that began the Braunschweig game since Derry John Murkin sustained an ankle injury in the clash with Eintracht. He may however return to team training as early as next week. He will almost certainly be replaced by Anton Donkor at left-back. “We are happy with how he plays when handed the chance. This serves as a good opportunity for him to go out there and show what he can do,” emphasised his head coach. It remains to be seen whether Christopher Antwi-Adjei will be available after experiencing discomfort in the latest match. Janik Bachmann and Amin Younes remain absent following knee operations. Emil Højlund will also miss the contest as a result of thigh problems.
