Frank Kramer: We need togetherness between the players and the fans

A key point of this week’s training so far has been possession. “We have gone through a few different game situations, in which we secure possession after having the ball,” the head coach revealed. It will be all about getting a good feel for the ball after the team wins it towards the opposing goal, and making the most of the situation. “We are always trying to work on different ways of developing our routines and finding a clear play-style,” he added. The goal is to find a better balance in the games themselves.

Strike at the right moment

This is what will be needed to take the points against the Eisernen, who have taken seven points from their first three games so far. “Union Berlin are a team that give very little away,” commented Kramer. “When you have the ball, you have to give it everything. They have great physicality and work together well as a team.” His side will have to strike at the right moment to turn the game in their favour, Kramer hopes.

Drexler kehrt zurück – Gute Neuigkeiten von Mohr und Polter

The Schalke head coach has a nearly full squad to choose from. Goalkeeper Justin Heekeren is not available due to a muscle strain, while Sidi Sané is still in rehabilitation training. Tobias Mohr, however has recovered from the stomach bug that prevented him from playing in Wolfsburg. Sebastian Polter, who stopped during Tuesday’s training as a precaution because he „felt something in his muscle“, is also expected to be ready for selection. In addition, Dominick Drexler will return to the squad after serving his red card suspension. „Domme has been working with the team for the past two weeks, he is a candidate that we can bring in from the start.“

Jordan Larsson is not quite ready to play the full 90 minutes. The Swede had continued to train individually for some weeks before his transfer to Schalke, but the forward is indeed an option for the starting 11, or alternatively from the bench, to provide a new injection into attack.

More than 60,000 fans are expected to bring the noise to the VELTINS-Arena. “We are looking forward to the game, the atmosphere is going to be really good,” says Kramer, who thinks fondly of the atmosphere from the first home game of the season against Borussia Mönchengladbach. “We need this togetherness between the supporters and what we want to deliver on the pitch. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps again.”