2. Bundesliga

Karel Geraerts: The atmosphere should give you a boost

FC Schalke 04 will play their first away game at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion in 12 years when they make the trip to Kaiserslautern on Friday (18:30 CET). It was clear in Wednesday’s press conference that head coach Karel Geraerts is eagerly anticipating the game.

2. Bundesliga

Thomas Ouwejan: Unlucky several times in front of goal, goals conceded too easily

On two occasions he was just centimetres from scoring on Saturday – Thomas Ouwejan, goalscorer in the reverse fixture against Hamburg, thundered a free-kick against the bar in the first half, and the Dutchman saw an impressive volley cannon back off the post after the break.

2. Bundesliga

Karel Geraerts: We pushed for a goal in the second half

The two head coaches, Karel Geraerts and Tim Walter of Hamburger SV, reflected on HSV’s 2-0 win on Saturday night (20/1) at the post-match press conference together. Goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann and captain Simon Terodde also spoke to the media after the game at the VELTINS-Arena.

2. Bundesliga

S04 begin second half of the season with a 2-0 defeat to HSV

FC Schalke 04 suffered a 2-0 defeat to Hamburger SV in their first competitive game of 2024 on Saturday night (20/1). Immanuel Pherai (22’) and Laszlo Benes (35’) scored the goals for the visitors. The Royal Blues hit the woodwork three times, twice through Thomas Ouwejan and once via Bryan Lasme at the death.

2. Bundesliga

Karel Geraerts: Build on the positives

The first competitive game of 2024 for the Royal Blues is at the primetime slot on Saturday night (20/1, 20:30 CET) against Hamburger SV at the VELTINS-Arena. Karel Geraerts believes his team is ready to take on the side currently third in the table. “We want to build on the positives from the past few weeks,” said the head coach.

2. Bundesliga

Ralf Fährmann: We’ve taken a step forwards

Following the successful friendly against KAS Eupen (3-1 win), the Royal Blues’ full attention turns towards the home game against Hamburger SV on Saturday (20/1, 20:30 CET), which simultaneously marks the start of the second half of the season.

2. Bundesliga

Blendi Idrizi: I want to score and assist more goals

The winter break actually came at an unfortunate time for midfielder Blendi Idrizi. Towards the end of 2023, the Kosovan had regained his place in the side and impressed on the final two matchdays, scoring in Rostock on matchday 16 and then setting up Keke Topp with a lovely assist against Fürth at home.

2. Bundesliga

Matchdays 19 to 26 scheduled

The DFL announced the exact schedule for matchdays 19 to 26 on Thursday (21/12). FC Schalke 04 will play twice on a Friday, four times on a Saturday and twice on a Sunday during this period.

2. Bundesliga

Keke Topp: A childhood dream come true

With 30 minutes played at the VELTINS-Arena on Friday night (15/12), Blendi Idrizi played a fine ball over the Fürth defence for Keke Topp, who took it first time and struck the ball underneath goalkeeper Jonas Urbig to open the scoring

2. Bundesliga

Karel Geraerts: Missed our chances to make it 2-0 in the first half

Despite leading twice on Friday night (15/12) against Greuther Fürth, the Royal Blues only came away with a point after a decent performance. schalke04.de has summarised the post-match quotes.

2. Bundesliga

2-2 draw against Fürth to end the calendar year

FC Schalke 04 had to settle for a point in their final match of 2023 on Friday night (15/12). Keke Topp and Kenan Karaman both put S04 ahead, but their goals were cancelled out by Branimir Hrgota and Simon Asta respectively. The Royal Blues were forced to play the final 10 minutes without Derry John Murkin after his second yellow card.

2. Bundesliga

Karel Geraerts: I can see clear progress

After victories over Osnabrück and Rostock, FC Schalke 04 will be aiming for their third win in a row when they welcome Greuther Fürth to the VELTINS-ARENA on Friday (18:30 CET). Alexander Zorniger’s side will be going into the game with the wind in their sails, however, having picked up 16 points from their last six games.

2. Bundesliga