Moritz Jenz after his S04 debut: The fans give you energy and give you strength

“Somehow, he just managed to save it,” said Jenz. Not only in the second minute of the game, but throughout the whole of Sunday afternoon, the ball just didn’t want to go in for Schalke, despite creating a number of other good opportunities in both halves.

As a result, it was even more important that the Royal Blues kept things tight in defence. Köln only had six shots prior to the full time whistle, with none of them providing much danger to Ralf Fährmann’s goal. “I am proud of the team, it was a good performance,” said Jenz, who formed a centre-back partnership with Maya Yoshida. “We played with a lot of aggression and courage and kept a clean sheet, which was important.”

Be brave and don’t hide

Three days after signing his contract, Jenz was called into the starting eleven by Thomas Reis. “You always have to be ready,” said the defender, who had no problems fitting in and put in a solid performance. “Be brave and don’t hide,” is the maxim of the 23-year-old.

Jenz was not just supported by his teammates, but also by the fans, who made it clear over the whole weekend what it means to play for Schalke. “The fans had already been brilliant at our final training session when the new floodlight was put up; there were also 60,000 fans in the stadium which pushes you forward. You notice then that they give you energy and give you strength,” said Jenz, praising the noticeable passion around Berger Feld.

His first few days at Schalke have left a lasting impression on Jenz. “When the fans are behind you, it’s mad,” emphasised the centre-back, who didn’t need much thinking time after the offer from S04 came. “You can’t say ‘no’ to Schalke. It is an enormous club in German football and I am proud to be here.”