Domenico Tedesco: We have a desire to shape the game

“For the first time in months we have had the opportunity to work for 10 to 12 days on our ideas,” said the 33-year-old about the advantages of the international break. “In the last few days we had the chance to work on offensive strategy,” explained Tedesco, who drew many positives from the friendly against Zenit St. Petersburg last Sunday (18/11)). “It was a very good trip to Russia, in which we had the chance to give a few young players some valuable game time,” said the head coach.

Oczipka, a candidate for the starting XI

In the game against the Russian league leaders, to whom the Royal Blues unfortunately lost 2-1, Bastian Oczipka made his first appearance of the season. The left-back put in a convincing performance and is an option for the team against Nürnberg, possibly even from the start. “It is surprising how strong he was, considering he’s just come back from injury and has had no preparation beforehand,” explained Tedesco. “Basti is much like Hamza Mendly, who is also back in team training, in that he is an option for the starting XI.” In addition, the coach explained that due to Weston McKennie’s injury from the US international friendly against England, Axel Schuster could be fit for the upcoming game on Saturday. “We will take it day by day. He’s in good shape at the moment. Luckily it was not a bad injury,” said the sporting director.

Mark Uth and Breel Embolo, who both picked up bad injuries in the 3-0 loss in Frankfurt, are unavailable for this weekend’s clash. Tedesco explained that the injuries seemed severe but made it clear, “It’s not our job to complain, instead we have to develop new ideas to deal with the situation.” Tedesco chose to focus on his squad depth and the players who are fit, “Steven Skrzybski did very well in St. Petersburg and he is of course waiting for his chance,” Tedesco explained, knowing that he also has Yevhen Konoplyanka, Guido Burgstaller and Franco Di Santo at his disposal. According to Tedesco, Cedric Teuchert will also soon return to the team.

The Schalke head coach sees the upcoming opponents as “very dangerous”. Tedesco has no respect for the idea that the opponents will control the game with their defensive organisation, quite the opposite actually. “We have a desire to shape the game,” exclaimed the 33-year-old, who admits that his team had difficulties adapting to oppositions’ styles of play at the beginning of the season. “Against Galatasaray and Hannover we played our game and did well. You could see our progress there,” said Tedesco.

The coach explains that there are still things that the team needs to improve, which have been focused on intensely in training. Tedesco knows however, “So long as the team believes in themselves and works hard, we will win games.”