Rouven Schröder: Exciting weeks ahead

…the season opener against Hamburger SV:
You can divide the game into different phases. We had several good moments, but then also others that weren’t so good. In the end, it goes down as a 3-1 defeat, which hurts. Despite the loss, however, I’m taking plenty of positives from it as well. I had goosebumps during the opening 20 minutes due to the atmosphere in the VELTINS-Arena. That’s what makes Schalke special, and it’s something I want to experience more of over the coming weeks and months. I’m optimistic when looking at what’s to come. We’re travelling to Kiel next and want to win. 

…potential transfers:
We’re in talks with several players and their respective management. We also hear through other sources when there’s interest from other clubs in a certain player. Overall, the transfer market is a lot more difficult to navigate this year. That’s not only the case for us, but at other clubs as well. That’s why we’re not getting too caught up in it. The transfer window doesn’t close for another four weeks. I think that it will be exciting right to the end. I’m also convinced that there will still be some changes within our squad. But, I do want to make clear that no player that might still leave us is giving it any less effort. The harmony within the team is also good.

…the injury to Danny Latza:
The fact that we will be without our captain for the foreseeable future is tough for us. It’s nearly impossible to replace him. He has many qualities that make this tough: Danny has experience, can play in a double pivot, in central midfield, is a box-to-box player, very dynamic and has a good grasp of the game. Danny also has an incredible wealth of experience. We will keep our eyes and ears peeled. Time is also a factor, but the most important thing is the quality, and that we make the right decision. 

…Nassim Boujellab’s loan:
Nassim’s loan to Ingolstadt is a good move for him. He’s a Schalke lad from the Knappenschmiede and did well during pre-season, which is why it was important for us to be transparent with him. We showed him what perspectives were available to him for the new season. If we didn’t have any confidence in Nassim’s abilities, then we wouldn’t have extended his contract before sending him out on loan. He will be in good hands in Ingolstadt in order to continue his development. Nassim will then return to Gelsenkirchen at the end of the season.