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Kees van Wonderen: We know what we’re up against
FC Schalke 04 travel to last-placed SSV Jahn Regensburg on Sunday at 13:30 CEST (13/04). A win against the newly-promoted team would see the Royal Blues reach the 40-point mark: “We’re going into the game with that clear goal in our minds,” said Kees van Wonderen, who warned against underestimating the opponents, despite their struggles this season.
Although Schalke 04 were comfortable 2-0 winners in this season’s reverse fixture, the head coach was keen to stress in his pre-match press conference that it would be foolish to think Sunday will be a walk in the park. “We know what we’re up against. The home side will do everything in their power to get a result.” After all, with eight points the gap between them and safety, only wins give Regensburg a realistic chance of staying up from here.
SSV have produced solid performances at home throughout the season though, beating sides like Hertha BSC (2-0) and recently 1. FC Nürnberg (2-1) at the Jahnstadion Regensburg. They have also picked up surprise draws there against league-leaders Hamburger SV (1-1) and promotion hopefuls SC Paderborn (0-0) in the second half of the campaign. “Regensburg haven’t lost any of their last four home matches, collecting a solid eight points. That shows just how difficult they are to beat at home,” explained van Wonderen.
Regensburg haven’t lost any of their last four home matches, collecting a solid eight points.
The reason that the promoted club still prop up the table despite these impressive results is down to their abysmal away form. Regensburg have lost 13 of 14 games on their travels, picking up their sole point in Braunschweig (0-0), and Andreas Patz’s side were on the wrong end of a 6-0 drubbing last time out away at SV Elversberg. “That result doesn’t play into our hands,” said the S04 coach, who expects a reaction from SSV. “Jahn are a side that get stuck in. We need to embrace that physical battle and be switched on throughout. They’ve changed the way they play a little since the winter break; they look to press their opponents more and we will need solutions for that.”
Focus on our own strengths
The most important thing for van Wonderen is that the Royal Blues focus on their own strengths. He preferred not to show his hand regarding the weekend’s starting line-up, although the boss will be forced into one change from last Sunday’s 2-1 win over SSV Ulm 1846, as Adrian Gantenbein is suspended. The Swiss full-back was shown a second yellow card late on against the Sparrows and will sit out this matchday. Taylan Bulut is an option to replace him, however. The Germany U19 international has missed the recent matches due to a virus, as well as problems with his leg, but van Wonderen did reveal that he has been able to take part in full training all week.
Alongside the right-back, there have also been returns to training for Mehmet Can Aydin, who was sick for the Ulm game, and Emil Højlund, who has long been sidelined with a thigh issue. Ilyes Hamache has also been partially integrated into the team sessions following his Achilles tendon injury. “The numbers are increasing,” said a pleased van Wonderen. Kenan Karaman is also available, despite working individually at the beginning of the week due to a knock picked up against Ulm.
Janik Bachmann (bruised calf) and Christopher Antwi-Adjei (thigh wound) are still working individually for now, however. Both will be assessed after final training before a decision is made regarding Sunday’s squad. Those that definitely won’t make the trip to Regensburg are Aris Bayindir (thigh), Loris Karius (calf), Luca Podlech (knee) and Zaid Tchibara (ACL) – the quartet are all undergoing personalised rehabilitation programmes.
