Karel Geraerts: It’s important to me to have a plan B

Overall, Geraerts was pleased with his team’s performance: “It was a game with good moments, but also some less good ones. All in all, I have to say though that the team have already shown some really good things,” explained the head coach after an entertaining game against FC Twente, who will be taking on RB Salzburg in a Champions League qualifier this coming week.

However, as is usual for a coach, the Belgian also saw a few areas where improvement is needed. “The first few minutes were very good, but we also have to get our rewards for this,” he said, looking at the opening quarter of an hour. “And in the second half, we were free in front of goal a few times and in these situations we have to become more clinical.” Geraerts tried out a back-four for the first time this preseason, which could become an important alternative system in the upcoming season. “It’s important to me that we don’t just have one way of playing, but alongside plan A we also have a plan B.”

Schalke captain Kenan Karaman also considered it a good performance on the pitch from his teammates . He was in the thick of the action himself in the first half, before watching from the bench for the second half with a number of changes made at half time. “You can’t forget that we have played against a very good opponent who are competing in the Champions League qualifiers. Considering this, we performed very well in parts, created good pressure upfront and remained compact behind the ball when they were in possession,” summarised the 30-year-old.

In terms of not getting their rewards for the effort put in, the captain agrees with his head coach. He also agrees that a four-at-the-back could be a realistic option: “We played that for the first time, but it suits us, and me, really well,” explained Karaman. “We have to be flexible and with this system we doubled up on the wings and were able to create lots of chances through that.” In attack, there are versatile players in the side in the shape of Moussa Sylla and Emil Højlund. “Moussa probably feels more comfortable on the wing, but he can also play right upfront and be dangerous with his runs in behind. Emil definitely still needs a bit of time, but he has already integrated quickly, has good potential and is developing even further week by week.”

Tobias Mohr played the full 90 minutes against Twente on both the left-wing and at times through the middle. The 28-year-old repaid this faith with a few positive moments on the pitch, setting his teammates through and also almost putting his side in the lead. “Having played 90 minutes today has helped me a lot to see if I already have the strength to do that,” said the midfielder. “I felt good and would also have liked to score a goal, but the more often you get in situations like that the greater the possibility that it will happen at some point.”

However, Mohr is still not able to predict where the journey is going to take the team ten days before the first competitive game of the season against Eintracht Braunschweig. “A lot is dependent on how we start,” he suggested. “We’ve had a good preseason and have been able to play ourselves into some form. Now, it’s important to gain some self-confidence from the first few games. Then, we’ll be able to see direction this journey is going to take.”