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Finn Porath: A minute after my first conversation with Frank Baumann I had Timo on the phone
His first outing in FC Schalke 04 colours could hardly have gone better. Finn Porath came on against local rivals VfL Bochum on Saturday (23/8) and made an immediate impact, assisting an important equaliser and helping his teammates to turn the game around.
“It was a special feeling playing my first game for Schalke in the VELTINS-Arena,” said the 28-year-old, who was put into the Royal Blues’ squad just 48 hours after his transfer from Holstein Kiel.
Although he was only able to complete one full training session with his new teammates before the game, the right-footed midfielder felt that he was well prepared. “I’ve played football for a couple of years now,” said Porath with a grin and explained: “I tried to absorb as much information as possible in the video sessions before the match.”
The ball hit the net, that’s what’s important.
There was a lot of excitement when Miron Muslic gave the signal to make a substitution in the 71st minute. “I then decided to help the team as best I could,” said the new arrival, which he did brilliantly. His shot after a corner in the 75th minute deflected off of teammate Hasan Kuruçay and found its way into the bottom right corner past Timo Horn in the Bochum goal. It was unclear for a moment whose goal it actually was. This was only a minor issue for Porath, as “the ball hit the net, that’s what’s important.” He claimed he wasn’t nervous at all before his debut, and that “it was more just positive tension.”
Even after such a positive debut, Schalke’s new number 27 is staying focused and humble: “It was a strong performance from the whole team. I’m going to work hard in the next days and weeks, so that I can continue to help the team.” A good friend always helps when settling in; Porath already knew Timo Becker from their time together at KSV.
It’s no wonder then, that the Royal Blue centre-half was an important go-to before Porath signed. “After my first conversation with Frank Baumann I had Timo on the phone a minute later,” revealed Porath. His friend did not have to persuade him though; he had already made up his mind. “It was clear to me after six great years in Kiel, that I wanted to take on this challenge at Schalke,” said the 28-year-old. “It’s unbelievable to be able to play here.”
