Marcin Kaminski: The coach’s feedback is helping us to improve

Marcin, it was a busy week in Belek. How did the training camp go and what kind of progress were you able to make?
I think we all worked well together. We trained a lot harder at the start of the camp because of how long we had to go until the Braunschweig game. We had to be careful that we didn’t become too tired. I think we did well and worked on our patterns of play and how we want to play, as well things we need to improve on.

We’ve noticed how much Kees van Wonderen speaks to the team during training and explains what can be done better. How important is this feedback during drills?
It’s really important because if we finish the drill and think it was all perfect, then we might not notice the small mistake that we can improve on. The feedback helps us to identify smaller details and that helps us to keep on getting better.

The win in Paderborn was the start of a good run to finish 2024. What were the reasons for this improved form?
We showed what we’re capable of in the game at HSV before that. We came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 and could even have won it at the end with a bit more luck. The game in Paderborn was emotional for us. We wanted to show that we could beat a tough opponent, regardless of their position in the table.

Kenan Karaman’s team talk in Paderborn is already the stuff of legend. Did this have a real impact on the team?
Yes, definitely. Kenan showed his emotions in that moment and that’s sometimes what you need. I could definitely sense how much it motivated me.

You’ve been subjected to criticism on several occasions over the past few months. How have you dealt with that and how has it affected you?
I don’t let it get to me. The most important thing for me is what my teammates and my coach think about my performances. I simply concentrate on the things I can influence. I want to pay back the trust placed in me.

Your ability with the ball at your feet is one of your real qualities. Do you think people outside of the club appreciate that enough?
I’m a defender so people mainly focus on my defending, but I know that one of my strengths is my passing, which my teammates also know. I also scored a goal against Zürich on Thursday, showing that I can help the team at the other end of the pitch too. That was a nice feeling.

Where does this passing ability come from?
I actually started as a striker and then played as a left winger for a while. I only became a centre-back when I was 17 and it went well. My passing ability is something that I’ve worked on a lot over the years.

What is planned for next week when you are back in Gelsenkirchen?
We will continue to work on what we trained in Belek and will look to improve. We saw a few things in the game against Zürich that we can do better. Everybody knows they have room for improvement. Our aim next week is to make sure we’re ready and fresh for the start of the second half of the season.

The home game against Braunschweig ended 5-1 to Schalke. Is that a good sign?
The meeting earlier this season doesn’t mean anything now. It’s a new year and a fresh start for every team. We all want to take that chance and kick off 2025 by winning games. We’re still in the bottom half of the table and are working hard to make sure we increase the gap between us and the teams below us. Nevertheless, our aim is naturally to take all three points in Braunschweig.