Thomas Ouwejan: We know what we have to do

“Intensity is upped in training during the international break as there is no game on the weekend,” explained the left-back. In the period with no fixtures, the team spoke a lot about what wasn’t working well on the pitch and what has to change against Bremen. “We know what we have to do,” said Ouwejan.

The focus is fully on the coming match in Bremen and getting three points, emphasised the Dutchman. After three defeats in a row, the pressure definitely increases, said Ouwejan. “We put pressure on ourselves because we want to get back to winning ways.”

Promotion to the Bundesliga is the overarching aim

One recent shortcoming has been that the team has created fewer chances than they were when they were winning games. “We know that we have to put in better performances overall,” said the 25-year-old, who is sure that the team still has a good chance at promotion if they manage to rectify that.

Achieving that is a big dream for Ouwejan, whose game has changed a little after his strong start at Schalke. “In the first matches, I had a bit more freedom on the left to create dangerous situations,” said the Dutchman. “Opponents have adjusted to that in the meantime and one or two opposition players are a bit tighter to me now.”

Ouwejan sees his move to Gelsenkirchen as the right decision. “I feel comfortable here and am happy with my performances so far,” he said. “I want to keep improving, and I am working hard to do that.”