Timo Becker: I’m proud to be a part of this community

“The moment I stepped onto the pitch at the VELTINS-Arena, I felt that special boost once again. It was the reward for eleven weeks of hard work,” said the 28-year-old, who had suffered a medial collateral ligament injury to his knee on matchday 7 in the home game against SpVgg Greuther Fürth.

Comeback signals positive feeling for 2026

“The first few days after the diagnosis weren’t easy,” Becker reflected. “You’re told you won’t be able to play for three months, that feels like half a season. But I quickly switched into a positive mindset and set myself the goal of getting back on the pitch as soon as possible.” The defender saw it as unbelievable that he was able to make his comeback within the calendar year. “It gives me a really good feeling for the weeks and months ahead.”

The fact that he was ready to return had already become clear in training ahead of the clash with Nürnberg. Becker experienced an important moment for him very early on during the match: “I won my first tackle straight away and immediately felt that crazy feeling you get at the VELTINS-Arena,” said the right-footer.

Becker had actually felt that feeling during his absence, just not on the pitch, but a few metres away from it. The centre-back had recently watched one or two matches from the stands, just as he did during phases of his career before he had the chance to pull on the Royal Blue jersey. Becker stressed that this wasn’t for show. “That’s just my character. I’m not only a Schalke player, I’ve also been a huge fan of this club since childhood. And I want, I need to express that.”

At the same time, he added: “Even though all my friends are in the stands and I enjoy every moment with them, it’s obviously always better to be out on the pitch. That feeling, especially after a win, is simply indescribable.”

Winning the match is also the team’s objective for the final game of the first half of the season on Sunday (21/12) in Braunschweig. “The fact that we’ve already secured top spot before the end of the first half of the season doesn’t interest us,” Becker emphasised, explaining where the team’s focus lies: “Our task is to get back to work and keep the concentration every single day. Every match is important.”

A vice-captain delighted for the fans

Becker is much more pleased for the fans when it comes to Schalke’s position at the top of the table. “They haven’t had too many moments to celebrate in recent years. That’s why I’m happy we were able to give them this gift over the festive period.” However, it doesn’t change the team’s approach. “Everyone knows what the 2. Bundesliga is like. The second half of the season can be very different from the first. We mustn’t lose focus, and we have to keep working hard.”

Becker described the upcoming opponents in complimentary terms as an “uncomfortable side to come up against,” explaining: “Braunschweig get tight to their man and don’t shy away from a challenge. It won’t be easy for us. But I believe in our strength, and I’m convinced we can take something from the game.”

The vice-captain knows that nothing will be handed to Schalke in Lower Saxony. “We’ve developed a culture where we work hard for success,” said Becker. One of Schalke’s strengths so far this season has been their sense of togetherness, the defender explained. “We all stick together – not just within the team or in the academy, but across the entire club. And I’m proud to be a part of this community.”