Kees van Wonderen: We want all three points

FC Schalke 04 host SSV Ulm 1846 on Sunday afternoon (6/4) in the first ever league meeting between the two clubs at the VELTINS-Arena. At the pre-match press conference, head coach Kees van Wonderen discussed the Royal Blues’ current situation, his squad and the opposition, who won promotion in each of their last two seasons.

2. Bundesliga

4/4/2025

Van Wonderen and his players have had a full week to prepare for the Ulm game after the 3-3 draw away against SpVgg Greuther Fürth last Sunday (30/3). “We have taken the opportunity to do a lot of analysis and prepare for Ulm as best we can,” explained van Wonderen. “We know every game in this league is a real battle for the points. We want to make sure we get all three of them with an energetic home performance.” The Knappen are aiming to secure their fourth victory at home in the second half of the season, having only beaten Braunschweig and Regensburg at the VELTINS-Arena prior to the midway mark.

They are a really physical team, we saw that in the reverse fixture.

Kees van Wonderen

Sunday’s visitors to Gelsenkirchen start the weekend in 17th place, though their recent results will see them travel up north with some confidence. After appointing U19s boss Robert Lechleiter as their head coach, ‘The Sparrows’ have picked up four points from their last two games, holding Karlsruher SC to a goalless draw and beating SV Darmstadt 98 2-1 at home. As a result of this upturn in form, SSV are only one point adrift of Eintracht Braunschweig in 16th, the relegation play-off position. “They are a really physical team, we saw that in the reverse fixture,” commented S04’s head coach. “It’s difficult against every team in this league if you’re not at your best.”

Justin Heekeren will be back in goal for Schalke at the weekend. The 24-year-old came on just before the break in Fürth for the injured Loris Karius. The January signing will not feature again this season after suffering structural damage to his calf. “Justin was focused and calm during the week,” reported van Wonderen. “We have full faith in him.” It’s not yet clear if Taylan Bulut will be able to feature on matchday 28. The right-back only returned to team training on Friday (4/4) for the first time this week after recently suffering from an infection and an issue with his leg.

Tags

Share page

You may also be interested in

25-03-30-gf-s04-rhr-4499

Kees van Wonderen: The boys showed character

On Sunday (30/3), SpVgg Greuther Fürth and S04 played out an entertaining and chaotic 3-3 draw. After the match, head coach Kees van Wonderen and his counterpart, Fürth’s Jan Siewert, spoke about the result. Kenan Karaman and Amin Younes also gave their opinions on the draw.

2. Bundesliga

3/30/2025
25-03-30-gf-s04-rhr-5427

Drama, controversy and a last-minute equaliser as Schalke draw 3-3 with Fürth

Greuther Fürth and Schalke 04 split the points, playing out an enthralling 3-3 draw in a truly wild affair at the Sportpark Ronhof on Sunday (30/3). The Royal Blues equalised with the last kick of the game, which was shaped by chaotic moments and an unfortunate injury.

2. Bundesliga

3/30/2025
250327_van_wonderen

Kees van Wonderen: Every single player has to give it 100%

FC Schalke 04 will be back in league action away at SpVgg Greuther Fürth on Sunday (30/3, 13:30 CEST), as they get the final quarter of the season underway. "We still have eight games left to play and we want to perform to the best of our abilities in each of these games, as well as picking up points in order to climb up the table," said head coach Kees van Wonderen.

2. Bundesliga

3/27/2025
250325_mulder-1440×810

Youri Mulder: The players have to try their hardest

The business end of the season begins for FC Schalke 04 on Sunday away against SpVgg Greuther Fürth (30/3). Youri Mulder, the club’s director for professional football, spoke to the media during training on Tuesday morning about the eight remaining league games of the season, what he expects from the team and conversations with players whose contracts expire this summer.

2. Bundesliga

3/25/2025