Ralf Fährmann: We’ve taken a step forwards

“It’s nice to finish our preparations with a win,” said Schalke’s goalkeeper. You could see across the 90 minutes against the Belgian side “that we’ve taken a step forwards and have improved”.

Fährmann highlighted that the time during the training camp and on the training pitches at Ernst-Kuzorra-Weg was used effectively. Karel Geraerts and his coaching staff worked intensively on various things, including their game in possession. “The first two goals were beautifully created. It’s pleasing when you’re able to implement what you’ve been working on in training in a game,” Fährmann said. The game against Eupen was important to continue to get used to things ahead of the first competitive game of the year and to improve the basics.

Heaps of praise for Idrizi

One of Schalke’s standout players over the past week has been Blendi Idrizi, who produced a stunning finish to double the Royal Blues’ advantage over KAS Eupen. “Blendi took his chance demonstrated his ability,” Fährmann said, praising the midfielder. “He’s got to keep working hard. The boys in his position will be waiting in the wings, ready for their chance.”

S04 will head into the clash against HSV with the wind in their sails. Fährmann stressed that the Royal Blues will have to be on their A game, however. “The other teams haven’t been slacking over the winter break either and have improved,” said Schalke’s keeper. His motto for the second half of the season is simply, “We’ve got to try and pick up as many points as possible in order to get away from the bottom of the table as quickly as possible.”