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Marc Wilmots: We have planned for many years ahead
FC Schalke 04 have announced four new signings in just the last few days, with Christopher Antwi-Adjei, Ilyes Hamache, Steve Noode and Mauro Zalazar all coming through the door. Marc Wilmots reported that the club are no longer planning to bring anyone else in, however changes to the squad could still be possible up until the transfer window’s conclusion on Friday (30/8).
“In the coming days, our focus will be on outgoings, which we will work flat out on. With Henning Matriciani’s loan to SV Waldhof Mannheim we found a good solution for both the player and the club,” said the sporting director. Together with Ben Manga, director for squad planning, scouting and the Knappenschmiede, Wilmots was able to secure 15 new signings for the Royal Blues this summer. “On top of that, we have players from the academy who have been promoted to the first team and two returning players who were previously out on loan, Justin Heekeren and Mehmet Can Aydin,” said Wilmots.
In the coming days, our focus will be on outgoings, which we will work flat out on.
“Overall, we are very happy with our business during this transfer window. We have been able to sign young, hungry players, whose potential we believe in. But at the same time, we were able to bring in players with lots of experience like Amin Younes, Christopher Antwi-Adjei and Janik Bachmann, who will add quality to our team,” the Belgian explained, adding that he thought this created a good mix. Wilmots believes that when judging the club’s business this summer, it’s important to consider that: “We said from the outset that this transformation that we have initiated cannot be accomplished in one summer transfer period. We have planned for many years ahead.”
In the present day, however, it is 1. FC Köln who are the focus for Karel Geraerts’ side. The team relegated from the Bundesliga last season visit the VELTINS-Arena on Sunday (1/9) at 13:30 CEST. “Now the focus needs to be on the upcoming home game, in order to make it a successful start to the season,” said Wilmots. “Magdeburg was a tricky game, but something we can learn from, especially for the young players.” After the draw on Sunday afternoon, the Royal Blues have four points on the board with three matches played. On top of that, S04 have made it through to the second round of the DFB-Pokal.
After the clash with the Billy Goats, 2. Bundesliga action will be put on hold for two weeks to make way for the first international break of the season. “We will use the break to work hard with the team and with every individual player, as well as to reintegrate those who have been out injured,” added Wilmots.
