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Soufiane El-Faouzi: I’ve been signed for my footballing ability and not just my athleticism
The first training sessions auf Schalke are done and dusted for Soufiane El-Faouzi. The 22-year-old felt reassured in his decision to join the Knappen afterwards, having received some great early impressions. The midfielder spoke to the media about his opening days as a Royal Blue, a decisive conversation with Miron Muslic, his strengths and his goals. schalke04.de has rounded up the key outtakes.
Soufiane El-Faouzi on …
… his decision to join the Royal Blues:
I had a lot of options come the end of the past season with Alemannia Aachen but was fully convinced to make the move to Schalke after exceptional talks with those in charge. The head coach then sealed the deal. I was hot with anticipation following my conversation with Miron Muslic and wanted to get going right away.
… his first days auf Schalke:
The start of training on Saturday with more than 3,000 fans watching on was outstanding – that really impressed me. My first sessions with the team were fun, and the lads gave me a great welcome. That made it easy for me. In the changing room, I’m sat between Kenan Karaman and Christopher Antwi-Adjei, both experienced players from whom I can learn a lot.
I was hot with anticipation following my conversation with Miron Muslic and wanted to get going right away
… his strong running:
I was already covering a lot of ground back in my youth days. However, I don’t see that as an explicit strength, rather the basis of my game which goes hand-in-hand with my mentality. It’s obviously pleasing that people know I was the player to run the most kilometres in the top three professional German leagues last year. Although, I’ve been signed for my footballing ability and not just my athleticism (smiles). I am a versatile midfielder, who can play as a six, eight or 10. Ultimately, I will play where I can best help the team.
… his aims:
I want to continue to develop, both as a sportsman and a person, giving everything I’ve got in each training session and winning as many games as possible with the team.
… Schalke fans where he comes from:
I was born in Siegen where there are a number of Schalke fans. Some friends and acquaintances are blue and white through-and-through, and I will do everything in my power to ensure they have reason for celebration as often as possible in the coming season.
