Sebastian Polter: It’s just one of those things that happens in football

His goal, a header from a Tobias Mohr free kick, was the icing on the cake of the 3-1 victory at the VELTINS-Arena and secured the local derby win in added time. The striker wheeled away to celebrate, and was joined in front of the Nordkurve by his teammates. Polter formed a heart shape with his hands as he returned to his half for the restart, the recipient of which was his wife, watching and supporting him from the stands.

The 31-year-old was also involved in Schalke’s second goal. Five minutes after coming off the bench he was on the move in the penalty area, looking to convert another Mohr free-kick. This time, though, he did enough to disturb Erhan Masovic, who put through his own net to set S04 on the road to victory.

In the build-up to the game, the attacker had hoped to be in the starting line-up against his old teammates. “That’s always the case – every footballer wants to play,” Polter explained. “But this is a team sport and sometimes you have to put your individual wishes behind you. I’m not one to stick my head in the hand – I would rather try to push my way in from the outside and then give my all when I do get into games.”

Polter the difference-maker

Polter’s performance against his former side was just what Schalke and Frank Kramer needed to secure the first win of the season, not just in terms of his involvement in two goals. The striker was a burst of energy in his side’s attacking ranks, helping his side regain control of the game in a period of pressure for Bochum.

The momentum of this first win now needs to carry the side into the Revierderby next weekend. “The next match is a massively important game for every Schalker and the region as a while. We’re aware of the challenge and will give our all to make our fans proud of us in the derby,” said Polter.