Sebastian Rudy: I’m looking to the future

Spending the year in Hoffenheim has done Rudy a lot of good. The defensive midfielder appeared in 32 of 34 Bundesliga matches last season and was an important part of the team. Now, though, he is fully focused on the task at hand at Schalke. “I’m looking to the future,” says Rudy. “I’ve given it my all ever since returning – I want to help the team.”

Our number 13 say that he is happy to be back in Gelsenkirchen. It helps that there are so many familiar faces still at the club: “I have settled back in really well.”

A new role at right-back

The 2020/21 preseason has been good, Rudy says. “One or two of the results have obviously not been the best, but we know what we are working towards in training. We have laid some good foundations and we are now really fit,” says the 2018 World Cup squad member. In Schalke’s last friendly match, Rudy was used in a new position at right-back. “I’m adapting well to the role, and I will try to use my vision and technique to help the team in this position,” says Rudy.

It’s important for the team to go about their upcoming fixtures with this same positive attitude. “We have to forget about the 16 matches without a win,” says Rudy. Along with a few other returning loanees, Rudy does not want that poor run of form to hinder the club in the new season. “We have all decided to leave the past in the past. We have a lot of quality in the team – now we have to prove it.”