Marko Pjaca: Part of the team from the get-go

“The lads took me under their wing immediately. You can’t take that for granted. I felt like part of the team immediately”; reported the Juventus loanee. “We all work hard but don’t forget to have fun. The atmosphere is exceptional. I felt that from the first day in the training camp.”

In terms of integrating, Matija Nastasic and Yevhen Konoplyanka have been key. “We speak a mixture of Ukranian, Croatian and English,” Marko explained. The attacker does understand some German though and has made it his aim to learn as many important phrases as he can as quickly as possible.

It will also help out Marko on the pitch. The Euro 2016 participant had the following to say: “The team have been performing very well of late. My goal is to contribute to a successful second half of the season.”

When asked whether the new boy will make his debut in Leipzig this Saturday, the Croatia international couldn’t comment. “I hope so,” said the 22-year-old. “However, it’s up to the coach. I’m giving my all in training to be in contention.”

Pjaca values the work of the head coach. “He talks to the team a lot. I like that. The conversations with Domenico Tedesco were crucial to me deciding to join Schalke. He explained his plans and convinced me. I want to pay back his faith!”