Marvin Pieringer: I’m embracing the competition for places

“We came back out on the pitch with real energy, created ourselves some opportunities and could’ve potentially scored more than one goal,” analysed the striker, whose 48th-minute, backheeled effort forced a good save from Verl goalkeeper Niklas Thiede. The resulting corner led to the opener, as Henning Matriciani eventually poked the ball home on the rebound.

Chances created by Pieringer went begging against Verl

Schalke had further chances to add to their lead in the second half, with Marvin Pieringer doing superbly to create three decent opportunities. Tom Krauß missed two of these chances for 2-0, and Blendi Idrizi also fluffed his lines on one occasion. “I’m embracing the competition for places and would like to show my qualities,” said Pieringer, who is hoping to get as much game time this season as he can, which he hopes to repay with goals. 

The attacker feels he has come on leaps and bounds since joining Schalke 04 last season. “I’ve definitely made progress physically. I’m having more success in challenges where I have my back to the defender than I did a year ago,” commented Pieringer. “I’ve improved as a player and feel like I’m ready to play in the top flight.”

More work to be done on chance creation in Mittersill

It’s completely normal that the team’s performance levels in their friendlies will fluctuate. “We’re still early into pre-season and have enough time to work on certain parts of our game,” said the 22-year-old. The side will work on their fitness as well as technical and tactical aspects at their upcoming training camp in Mittersill. It’ll be important that “as a team, we get better at finding solutions in possession and gel together well on the pitch,” explained Pieringer. “We’ve got plenty of time for that.”