Marvin Pieringer: Huge anticipation for the “homecoming”

However, Pieringer has not yet managed to win against Villingen. He lost 2-1 in the Oberliga Baden-Württemburg, with the second meeting in the 2017/18 season ending in a draw. The new signing commented: “We want to win and reach the second round of the Pokal.” Pieringer is also looking forward to seeing some familiar faces in the stands. “It’s almost like a home fixture,” the 21-year-old said jokingly, and went on to describe the “huge anticipation.”

The striker celebrated his competitive debut for the Royal Blues during the 3-0 win against Holstein Kiel last weekend. Pieringer looks to have settled in well at Schalke. “I am on the right track,” said the right-footed player, who scored a 16-minute hat-trick in the final pre-season friendly against SSVg Velbert. He is now looking to score his first goal in a competitive fixture for the Royal Blues.

Pieringer’s eye for goal at just 21 years old is an impressive attribute for a striker whose career is still relatively young. In 2020/21, he scored 12 goals in just 14 appearances for SC Freiburg U23s, who have just been promoted to the 3. Liga in May after finishing top of the Regionalliga Südwest. In the second half of the season, Schalke’s new addition was no longer part of this side, as he signed a loan deal that saw him rise up the leagues to play for Würzburger Kickers in Bundesliga 2. Despite netting six goals, Pieringer and Kickers were relegated to the third division at the end of the season.

Believe in your own ability

Pieringer stresses that his time in Würzburg was a good experience for him. “The jump from the Regionalliga to Bundesliga 2 last winter was initially a big transition. Now, I know the league well and know what’s needed. The goals I scored at Würzburg proved what I am capable of.”

That’s why he made the move to the Royal Blues when the offer came in from Gelsenkirchen a few weeks ago. “It was a big change for me. The intensity at Schalke is much greater. I had to settle in at first, but I am confident in my potential and that I will get opportunities. I believe in my chances. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have come here,” explains Pieringer, adding that he feels welcomed into the team. “It’s very fun to be a part of this team.”