Steven Skrzybski: "I’m not starting from scratch"

Steven Skrzybski has been forced to watch on in recent weeks. Now the attacker is fit again and is raring to make his first-team debut. In an interview with schalke04.de, the 25-year-old speaks about his recovery from injury, his desire to score another goal at the VELTINS-Arena soon and a surprise encounter with his former club.

Steven, how did it feel to start training again after being on the sidelines for several weeks due to a muscle problem?

I can answer that in two words – simply incredible. It’s never nice for a player to be in rehabilitation, especially when you can see your teammates training outside. It’s really hard.

What did your rehabilitation period consist of?

After the treatment phase, I completed a lot of strength and running sessions, which weren’t incredibly fun. Fortunately I don’t have to do them anymore.

How much did you talk with Domenico Tedesco during the time?

Since I did my rehabilitation at Schalke, I was always nearby despite my injury. As a result I was able to have an animated chat with the boss and his staff, which was brilliant. I found it extremely cool and not once did I feel that I was on my own during the rehabilitation process. I was always a part of the team.

How did you follow the club’s matches?

I was always at home games in the VELTINS-Arena of course, and kept my fingers crossed in the stands. I watched the other matches vs. Mönchengladbach and Düsseldorf at home on television. Even when I can’t help the team on the pitch, I still like to support them at least.

You were in the squad for the first three competitive matches of the season, but you’re still waiting to make your competitive debut in a Schalke shirt. When will that happen?

I was doing really well until I got injured. It was annoying but despite that I’m not starting from scratch again. I want to follow up on my work in the first few weeks and then start playing as soon as possible.

In the friendly against Fiorentina, you scored your very first goal in the VELTINS-Arena. How did you feel after you scored?

I celebrated like crazy. I can’t exactly describe the thoughts that went through my head at that moment, but it’s a dream to score a goal there.

The only way to top the feeling would probably be scoring your first competitive goal then?

Definitely. When the stadium is packed and you score, it’s crazy.

Your ex-club Union Berlin have started the season well. Are you following their progress?

Of course I am. I spent many years there and had a really great time. The club will always stay in my heart. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the lads and I hope they have a good year.

Recently they played in a spectacular game against 1. FC Heidenheim, where goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz scored a header in injury-time to make it 1-1.

I jokingly said to Ralf Fährmann that the goalkeepers in Berlin don’t just make saves (laughs). Ralle hasn’t gone up the pitch yet this season, so he hasn’t had the chance to score. I’m convinced that he has the quality to score though, if he gets the chance.