Benjamin Stambouli: We're ready for the run-in

The 27-year-old has been using the last few days to work on his thigh problem, which was the reason he was subbed off in the second half of the 1-0 win over Wolfsburg. “My thigh is feeling really good, I don’t have any problem with it anymore,” said Stambouli, who trained alone for the few days after the match.

He will head into the game against Freiburg (31/03) with renewed energy. The game on Saturday marks the beginning of the final run-in in the Bundesliga and according to Stambouli the Royal Blues are “completely ready.” “We want to give it everything to end this season on a high,” said Stambouli.

Stambouli’s goal is not a certain position in the Bundesliga, however he does state, “We want to perform as well as we can in these closing stages and next year we want to be playing European football.” The Frenchman is also dreaming of a cup-win. “I won the cup with Paris Saint-Germain a couple of years ago which was amazing. I want to experience more moments like that.”

Teamwork has been a big improvement for Schalke this year according to Stambouli, “We have a great atmosphere in the team; everyone has their part to play.” For him personally it works very well and for Domenico Tedesco. “The manager trusts me and the rest of the team a lot. He is very good at communicating and transfers his message of exactly what he wants to the players. He keeps us involved and asks us how we feel our on the pitch, which I find really great.”