David Wagner: Everybody is eager for Sunday

“Everybody is eager for Sunday,” stressed Wagner. “We have been training with a lot more quality over the last few days. Everybody knows that if they play they have to prove themselves.”

With all the players back from intentional duty, Wagner almost has his whole squad available to him. The only absentee is Benito Raman, who has picked up an ankle problem. The Belgium attacker will be out for up to ten days.

Raman has started every Bundesliga game so far this season, so Wagner will definitely have to make at least one change from the side that defeated Hertha 3-0. The head coach wasn’t prepared to reveal if there would be any other changes “We will only rotate the team if we are convinced that is the right thing to do,” stated the 47-year-old, adding “we have a number of great options now.” For Wagner, the way “his team performs on the day” will be more important the players he picks. “We now have around four or five weeks before the international break. It feels a lot better to go into this period with a strong squad, instead of the situation we were in at the start of the season with just 15 outfield players available to us.”

Mark Uth is an option for Paderborn

One player who has returned from injury and is back available for selection is Mark Uth. The striker put in a strong performance in the friendly against Viktoria Köln during the international break. “Mark played well. He is an option to make the squad and even to start the game,” said Wagner, who used the first international break of the season to test some of his players out in positions they aren’t necessarily used to. “It was good to see that the lads work well in other roles too,” commented Wagner.

It’s not yet clear if new signing Juan Miranda will make the squad. The 19-year-old, who recently made his debut for Spain U21s, will be given time to adjust to life in Gelsenkirchen. “Juan is a very talented, young full-back. We want him to get to know Schalke and his daily routine here first,” said Wagner. “We are delighted to have such an exciting talent at the club and will support him so that he can improve here with us.”

Wagner has already watched Paderborn live this season in preparation. “They play fast, attacking football and like to play on the break,” he revealed. “We will have to make use of our time on the ball and press them well.”

The Royal Blues are also full of confidence after their recent performances. “Obviously we respect them, but we want to win the game. We still need to put the finishing touches on our game and work together as a team. If we manage to do that, I think we can take something from the game.”