Miron Muslic: We were the fortunate winners today

Miron Muslic:

We never really found our rhythm. We didn’t bring our usual intensity or physical presence onto the pitch, and Nürnberg made life difficult for us both in and out of possession. Even so, we had two or three promising counter-attacks where we were three-on-two against Nürnberg defenders. That’s where we lacked composure on the ball.

We started the second half better and scored a typical Schalke goal early on after winning possession. Kenan Karaman and Vitalie Becker combined brilliantly – Kenan kept his cool, Vitalie made the most of his first touch and finished calmly. After that, it felt a bit like a basketball game, with play going back and forth. Over the final 20 to 25 minutes, though, it wasn’t enough from us and we lost our structure. We were the fortunate winners today, but we’ll take the points – it was our seventh home win in eight games.

Miroslav Klose:

We started the game really well and played the kind of football we wanted to play. Schalke weren’t able to play with the intensity that has defined much of their season, especially at home. We moved the ball well between the lines and looked to play chipped balls in behind their defence. From three or four turnovers in possession, we conceded to go 1-0 down. After that, we lacked a cutting edge in the second half, only Artem Stepanov had a real chance with his header.

Kenan Karaman:

It wasn’t a good performance from us, but what defines us is that we stayed defensively solid and took one chance with composure. We weren’t hungry enough today and we know ourselves that we can’t keep winning games like this in the long run. We need to raise our level again, be more dominant and play with greater intensity. I’m really pleased for Vita – I didn’t expect the year to end as positively as this and it’s great that we were able to give the fans a little gift. What matters now is that we stay focused and approach the second half of the season in the same way as the first – with fire, intensity and energy. If we do that, I’m convinced we’re on the right track.

Moussa Sylla:

It was an important win for us, even if we had to fight hard for it at times. Over the course of the season, we’ll need to develop more of an attacking threat again. Last year, we definitely wouldn’t have won a game like this. That’s why we’ll gladly take it and keep working hard every day, improving together. As I haven’t been called up for the Africa Cup of Nations, I’ll be supporting Mali from here, give everything for Schalke, use the break to spend time with my family and then come back full of energy in the new year.