Rabbi Matondo: I want to learn new things everyday

Rabbi Matondo has been a Royal Blue for two weeks now. He already made some good impressions during his first few days at his new club. “I enjoy every single minute, every training session,” said the Wales international, who had been training with the youth team at Man City and regularly under Pep Guardiola in the first team.

Bundesliga

13.02.19, 10:47

However, he was denied the step up into the first team at Man City and therefore, decided to make the next step. “It would have been easier to just stay in England,” he explained. “But for my development, Schalke are the perfect team to fulfil my goals. When I heard that S04 were interested in me, I was very excited.”

McKennie raved about Schalke

Rabbi already knew about the club from ex-teammate and ex-Royal Blue Leroy Sané. “I didn’t speak to Leroy just before signing,” said the youngster. However, he spoke with another player instead about Schalke and the Bundesliga. “I got in touch with Weston McKennie. He only had positive things to say to me and it’s all been true so far!”

I am simply very motivated and want to improve everyday in training!

Rabbi Matondo

In order to integrate himself into the squad as quick as possible, the newcomer has already learned his first German words, “Bitte, danke, links and rechts. They are the most important football terms,” said Matondo, who made his Bundesliga debut against Borussia Mönchengladbach and made his first start in the DFB-Pokal against Fortuna Düsseldorf. “I want to get as many minutes as possible under my belt,” said the Welshman, who doesn’t feel any pressure. “I am simply very motivated and want to improve everyday in training!”

One of his strengths is his pace. At Manchester City, he even beat Leroy Sané for pace. “I can’t say exactly how fast I am, but I can beat a lot of people with my pace,” he laughed. However, Matondo knows he still has room for improvement. “I am a young player and have a lot to learn still.” His idols include French striker Thierry Henry, technically brilliant Ronaldinho and of course Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rabbi Matondo

Game against Man City not on his mind

Ultimately, Matondo wants to start writing his own story. The best way to start that would be with a victory against SC Freiburg on Saturday (16/02/19). “I hope I’ll play,” said the 18-year-old, whose brother will be in attendance at the VELTINS-Arena. “My family will visit me regularly,” he said happily.

The reunion with Manchester City however, is not on the mind of the youngster. “My full focus is on the Freiburg game,” he said. “When the game is over, we will start preparing for the Champions League game.” He last watched his former team thrash Chelsea 6-0. Matondo said: “They have no weaknesses. Nevertheless, we will not be beaten before kick-off!”

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