Guido Burgstaller: Hungry for the ball

The Austrian was not just top of the rankings for distance either. He completed the most sprints (39) and high intensity runs (99). By comparison, Dayot Upamecano sprinted the most often for Leipzig (25) and Marcel Sabitzer was top for high intensity runs (81).

Working as a unit

“Everyone was happy to do their bit for each other,” said Burgstaller, describing one of the factors of Schalke’s success in the 3-1 victory. “We fought hard, showed good mentality and worked together as a unit. We were also hungry to win the ball,” said the 30-year-old. “It all just came together.”

The win did not just come from the 90 minutes on the pitch. Before the game, S04 had already put a lot of time towards achieving a positive result. An example? The opening goal by Salif Sané was no accident. „It was simply world class the way that rehearsed corner worked so well. We worked on that exact routine in training two days before the match,“ revealed Burgstaller.

The counterattack that led to Rabbi Matondo’s goal was also part of the match plan. “David Wagner prepared us incredibly well for the match against Leipzig,” said the forward. “Couple that with our mentality and you have a recipe for success.” Burgstaller has said that not many other teams will win at Leipzig but he also knows: “We need kick on now against Köln and we cannot afford to rest on our laurels!”