Thomas Reis: It’s possible to get something from every game

“We want to move off the bottom of the table,” said the 49-year-old, who knows that his team will not be heading into the game full of confidence following six consecutive defeats. Nevertheless, the recent run of defeats did not prevent a courageous performance at home against Freiburg, with Reis stating “you can fight for every challenge even if you’re not brimming with confidence. The important thing is that the boys are ready and want to win the first challenge on Saturday.” That is just one of the messages which he has corresponded across to his team in recent training sessions, explains Reis, adding that he is progressing positively as head coach.

Play with courage, defend aggressively and be ready to pounce on any chances you get

Reis was pleased by his side’s performance during his first appearance in the dugout, even if the result (2-0 defeat to Freiburg) did not. “We have to play ugly over the course of the 90 minutes; so that the opponents come out and say that it’s not easy to play against Schalke.” Moreover, it is important to play with courage, to defend aggressively and to pounce on any chances we get – and then to take advantage of them.

Concentration, particularly for the back line, also plays a role. “If you give Marvin Ducksch or Niclas Füllkrug too much room, both have ridiculous quality. Niclas Füllkrug in particular has that special touch in front of goal at the moment, along with the necessary bit of luck. We have to be narrow and tight against him. That will be a big challenge for our centre-backs – but I’m convinced that they will handle it very well,” said Reis.

He has also corresponded to his team that they must be completely focused right up until the final second. That’s because Werder Bremen have nicked all three points in the final moments of the game multiple times this season; 10 of their 21 goals have come after the 82nd minute. “Bremen play with a lot of freedom. They radiate a lot of calm and maturity on the ball”, analysed Reis on the fellow promoted side. “But they’re by no means invincible. It’s possible to get something from every game.”

Six missing for the Royal Blues

Reis still hasn’t revealed his starting eleven that will take on Werder. However, one thing is for certain and that is that the head coach will have to do without half a dozen players on the weekend. Alongside the defensive quartet that is unavailable in Leo Greiml (meniscus surgery), Marcin Kaminski (deep cut to his calf), Ibrahima Cissé (muscle injury) and Sepp van den Berg (ligament damage) as well as midfielder Rodrigo Zalazar (metatarsal fracture), Reis will also be without Thomas Ouwejan for the three remaining games of the calendar year. The Dutchman suffered medial ligament damage in his left knee during the home game against SC Freiburg.

“Thomas’ injury doesn’t make the squad situation any easier,” said the head coach. “But it also doesn’t make it impossible. The boys, who are available, will give everything they have to bag a good result.” That is even more the case now that Reis can call upon the services of some returning players. Dominick Drexler, Timothée Kolodziejczak and Jordan Larsson, who had been missing due to injury, have all fit again. “They are in full training and have left a good impression during this week’s sessions,” explained the 49-year-old. The trio are all definitely an option for the clash in Bremen.