Dimitrios Grammozis: Game against Lübeck a test for rhythm and match fitness

“We’re going up against an ambitious club in the Regionalliga,” said Grammozis before the fixture with the Lübeck side, who currently sit in fifth position of their group in the Regionalliga Nord and spent last season in the 3. Liga. Schalke 04 will bring a 19 man squad on their journey north, combining first-teamers with players from the U23s. For Grammozis the friendly is somewhat significant, in terms of giving game time to those players who haven’t been able to get many minutes in the last few weeks. “It’s important that they find their rhythm and match fitness, so they’re ready for when we need them,” explained the 43-year-old.

Take a breather, but keep focused

Grammozis continued, noting that the intensity of the team’s training sessions will not go down, despite the players missing. Nevertheless, the players who took part did well; they’ve got the chance to relax and not focus on any competition, following a few mentally draining weeks. “It’s great to go into this break with the knowledge that we’ve collected some good points and that the lads can take a bit of a breather,” said the Royal Blues’ head coach. He did make note, though, that his players were “totally focussed on this upcoming task. We want to deliver everything we need to once again, in order to be ready for our next competitive game in Hannover,” he emphasised.

One man who has definitely delivered is Mehmet Can Aydin, who set up a goal in Rostock and scored a spectacular scissor-volley against Ingolstadt. “Memo’s been getting friend requests from all sorts of people who do karate!” joked Grammozis, discussing the wondergoal against the Bavarians. “I’m really happy for the lad – he’s earned that goal. He always gives his best in training and has waited patiently for his chance,” added the head coach, wanting to get the best out of Aydin’s youthful enthusiasm as it does a lot of good for the team and gives them energy. “Of course, he still has room for improvement and needs to work on himself a bit more,” said Grammozis. “If he does that, he’ll be able to play lots of good games for Schalke.”