Robin Gosens: Coming up with more ideas on the ball

The wing-back has been laser-focused on the upcoming league fixture since the start of the week. “We got stuck into a new week of training in a positive frame of mind and with renewed energy,” Gosens explained. The squad were all in agreement after the match against 1. FSV Mainz 05 that it was time to refocus. “We said straight away in the dressing room: let’s enjoy ourselves and prepare for the next challenge with enthusiasm.”

As they processed their last fixture, the Knappen were “very honest and tough” with themselves. However, following this open exchange, the defeat at the VELTINS-Arena was put behind them. “Everyone who supports Schalke knows that you come up against setbacks in the Bundesliga,” the 32-year-old stressed ahead of matchday 7.

More specifically, Schalke will be looking to “come up with more ideas on the ball and get more players into the final third” in Cologne. Gosens is also holding himself accountable. “It starts with us defenders. We have to find our teammates with our passes and dominate space to help get our attacking play going.”

The team must also return to the principles that have served them so well. “We want to get back into the defensive structure that made us so strong in our first five league matches. That means defending on the front foot with aggression and courage, while closing down the space as well.” Alongside the need to support their teammates further forward, Gosens and his fellow Schalke players have a clear objective ahead of their trip to Effzeh. “It’s all about the three points – we’re determined to bring them home.”