David Wagner era begins with a convincing 5-0 win

Kenny makes his debut

Head coach David Wagner gave a debut to one of his new signings in his first game in charge. Jonjoe Kenny, on loan from Everton, started the cup game at right-back. The other new summer signings didn’t make the squad. Goalkeeper Markus Schubert missed out due to hip injury, Ozan Kabak is still working individually after a foot problem and Benito Raman was also unavailable after damaging his ankle.

Skrzybski scores just before the break

SV Drochtersen/Assel, who have already played three competitive games in the fourth-division this season, defended resolutely early on. It took S04 around 15 minutes to really grab hold of the game, and even then they failed to break down the hosts’ back four at all in the first 20 minutes.

The first chance for the visitors came in the 21st minute, when Amine Harit volleyed the ball dangerously against the inside of the post. After striking the woodwork, Schalke stepped up their game and eventually got their reward just before the half-time break. Suat Serdar ran dangerously down the right-hand side, cut inside and found Steven Skrzybski who only had to tap into the empty net from close range to open the scoring (44’).

Royal Blues score for fun

Schalke were then given a huge scare at the start of the second half. It looked as if Nico von der Reith had headed the amateur side level, but he was standing in an offside position (48’). Just like in the first half, the Bundesliga outfit then took control of the game. Daniel Caligiuri missed a great chance after 57 minutes, before Burgstaller then doubled the lead four minutes later. The Austrian gambled on a poor defensive header from Dimitri Fiks to get through on goal.

Caligiuri added the third goal of the day in the 65th minute, putting away a penalty after Harit was fouled. Between the two goals, Schalke U23s player Münir Levent Murcan was brought on. The talented midfielder didn’t take long to leave his stamp on the game, curling home for Schalke’s fourth in the 73rd minute. It was Burgstaller again for Schalke’s fifth, with the striker getting his second goal of the game in the 83rd minute. Harit did well in the build up, pulling off a skill in the penalty area.

First Bundesliga game in Mönchengladbach

Schalke’s next game is their first of the new Bundesliga season, away in Mönchengladbach next Saturday (17th August). The game kicks off at 18:30 CEST.