Domenico Tedesco: We have to bring our qualities onto the pitch

The Royal Blues have only lost one of their previous 14 Bundesliga meetings with Augsburg, winning the last three encounters. This statistic, along with the success against Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League, has given Tedesco plenty of reasons to be confident ahead of the game on Saturday: “The win was good for us and the mood in the squad has improved.” The head coach was also quick to point out that the side’s situation in the Bundesliga is still the same though. “We are fully aware of our situation. We have three games to play and desperately need points. Three wins would be fantastic.”

FC Augsburg: More than just Finnbogason

FC Augsburg, who have lost their last few games, also need some points before the league wraps up for the winter break. “We aren’t thinking about their recent form. They may not be full of confidence right now, but they are still dangerous”, stated Tedesco. “FCA have clear tactics up front, their full-backs are very good going forward and their tall players are always a threat from set-pieces,” explained the head coach.

One player who Schalke will need to keep an eye on is Alfred Finnbogason. The striker has scored seven goals in his seven Bundesliga outings so far this season. “He’s a striker who likes getting in behind the defence and causes lots of problems,” warned Tedesco. “Augsburg have a lot of quick players, who we will need to watch out for.”

Alongside their pace, the hosts also boast a good mentality. “We have to fight against them well. We have to use the qualities which our part of our DNA – our fight and our pressing game. If we manage t do that, I think we can control the play,” commented the head coach.

Two more players out – Skrzybski returns

There will be three changes to the squad that faced Lokomotiv Moscow. Matija Nastasic is banned after picking up five yellow cards and Hamza Mendyl is out with an ankle injury, but Steven Skrzybski is available once again. “The last week has done him the world of good – he has no pain anymore,” said Tedesco on the 26-year-old.

There will be three changes to the squad that faced Lokomotiv Moscow. Matija Nastasic is banned after picking up five yellow cards and Hamza Mendyl is out with an ankle injury, but Steven Skrzybski is available once again. “The last week has done him the world of good – he has no pain anymore,” said Tedesco on the 26-year-old.