2. Bundesliga

Karel Geraerts: We need to play with the same quality and confidence

FC Schalke 04 will be aiming to win their fourth home match on the spin when they face off against SC Paderborn 07 at the VELTINS-Arena on Saturday (9/3, 13:00 CET). Karel Geraerts stressed that a win against SCP isn’t a foregone conclusion after last weekend’s impressive 3-1 win over FC St. Pauli. “We’ve got to stay grounded and play with the same quality and confidence as we did last time round,” said S04’s head coach.

2. Bundesliga

Ron Schallenberg on an unfamiliar role, support from within the team and reuniting with old friends

Ron Schallenberg earned rave reviews for his display in the 3-1 win over league leaders St. Pauli, and did so while playing in an unfamiliar position. The 25-year-old, primarily a defensive midfielder, partnered Tomas Kalas in the centre of defence on Friday (1st March). It was a change that surprised not only S04’s opponents, but Schallenberg himself.

2. Bundesliga

Marius Müller: Stay grounded – from Monday, only Paderborn matters

After seven minutes of stoppage time on Friday (1/3), Marius Müller raised his fist in the air as referee Daniel Siebert finally blew for full time. The goalkeeper knew immediately just how important the 3-1 win over FC St. Pauli was, and was relieved that his side put in an improved performance on the pitch after the team meeting earlier in the week.

2. Bundesliga

Yusuf Kabadayi: It was a complete team performance

Yusuf Kabadayi’s experience of the home win against FC St. Pauli went beyond the full-time whistle on Friday (1/3). The attacker, who scored a brace in the 3-1 win against the league leaders, was one of the players selected for a doping test. However, the Germany U20 international also overcame this hurdle after a short while. He used the waiting time to review the special evening again.

2. Bundesliga

Karel Geraerts: A deserved victory

Karel Geraerts praised his side after their 3-1 home win over FC St. Pauli on Friday night (1/3). He discussed the game at the post-match press conference alongside his opposite number Fabian Hürzeler. Defensive colleagues Ron Schallenberg and Tomas Kalas also gave their thoughts on the victory over the league leaders.

2. Bundesliga

League leaders St. Pauli defeated 3-1 in Gelsenkirchen

FC Schalke 04 deservedly picked up all three points at home to FC St. Pauli on Friday night (1/3). The league leaders were beaten 3-1 at a sold-out VELTINS Arena thanks to a fine performance by the Royal Blues. Yusuf Kabadayi scored twice (44’, 73’) and Kenan Karaman sealed the win in injury time, only the away side’s second defeat of the campaign.

2. Bundesliga

Matchdays 27 to 30 scheduled - Nürnberg at home on a Saturday night

The DFL announced the exact dates and times for matchdays 27 to 30 on Thursday (29/2). FC Schalke 04 will host 1. FC Nürnberg on a Saturday night, as well as one game on a Friday and two on a Sunday.

2. Bundesliga

Karel Geraerts: If we don't work as a unit, things will start to get tricky

After a disappointing outing in Magdeburg, the Royal Blues will be aiming to put in a much better performance when they face off against FC St. Pauli on Friday (1/3, 18:30 CET). Head coach Karel Geraerts seemed positive as he told journalists about the group discussions that took place at the start of the week.

2. Bundesliga

Schalke fall to 3-0 defeat in Magdeburg

FC Schalke 04 were defeated 3-0 by FC Magdeburg on Saturday evening (24/2). All three of FCM’s goals came in the first half.

2. Bundesliga

Karel Geraerts: Use defensive stability as a springboard

After Schalke’s 1-0 win over SV Wehen Wiesbaden, Saturday’s visit to 1. FC Magdeburg (24/02, 20:30 CET) represents an opportunity to kick on and secure more crucial points.

2. Bundesliga

Darko Churlinov: Sometimes a single moment can decide a game

Darko Churlinov played a direct role in FC Schalke 04’s winning goal against Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday (17/02). Just before the hour mark, Churlinov’s foot was kicked by an opposing defender in the penalty area, and referee Deniz Aytekin showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. “It was a clear-cut thing,” explains the winter signing.

2. Bundesliga

Kenan Karaman: I was 100% sure I was going to score

Kenan Karaman’s goal against SV Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday (February 17th) secured a second successive 1-0 home win for Schalke. “I’m glad I was able to give something back to the fans,” says the 29-year-old, who also scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over Eintracht Braunschweig two weeks ago.

2. Bundesliga