Manuel Baum: It will be a physical game in Mainz

With both sides at the wrong end of the table, the 41-year-old S04 coach is expecting a physical clash in the OPEL Arena. “We know what to expect. We need to have the right mentality and be ready to scrap and then we can focus on our football,” explained Baum. “Mainz will throw everything at us, work hard without the ball and be aggressive in the tackle. We need to give everything we can to match that.”

A good balance between task orientation and relaxation

The first-round win in the DFB-Pokal has given Baum a good feeling, although the whole 90 minutes didn’t all go to plan. “It was great that we won a competitive match and scored four goals. There were, however, situations in which we should have done better. We have taken a lot from the game and worked on them in training,” said the Schalke coach.

The team and coaching staff are both aware of how important the game in Mainz will be, however Baum doesn’t want the side to feel too much pressure. “It’s important that we have a good balance between task orientation and relaxation. The lads are fully focused on the game, but they could train some things in a more relaxed manner.” Baum added: “I have the feeling that the team know how important the game is. A bit of tension can help you perform better and hit the 90 minutes head on. If that happens, we’re more likely to get a good result.”

Kabak available again

Ozan Kabak is ready to face the Zerofivers after his suspension, although Baum wouldn’t reveal if the Turkish international would make the starting XI. This was also the case for other positions, including in goal. “I won’t announce any personnel decisions before the game because I want to keep my cards close to my chest.”

The Royal Blues will definitely be without Suat Serdar, who will miss out on facing his former side. The midfielder has been working at a high intensity in training again, at 90% according to Baum. “I therefore think he will be available to us soon.”