Suat Serdar: We are only looking at ourselves

Suat, you are available for selection again after your suspension. Are you even more excited for the Hoffenheim game than usual?
I wish the game could start now! We have trained well and are ready for the game. My spell on the side was definitely long enough.

How difficult did you find not being able to play in Nürnberg?
I felt that I was slightly unlucky to pick up a second yellow card against Frankfurt. It’s not nice when you are fit and can’t play. You want to help your team out, but aren’t allowed. It’s quite a brutal feeling.

Where did you watch that game?
I watched it on the sofa at home and cheered on the lads. It’s a shame we only got a point in the end, especially as we had aimed to win it.

Your form has been impressive recently, having scored your first two S04 goals against Hannover Frankfurt. Have you gained some more confidence from it?
Yes, definitely. I didn’t have the best of starts to my career at Schalke. I’m happy that things are starting to look up now. I hope to score again against Hoffenheim and also get the three points.

Hoffenheim are a team full of confidence, especially as they are unbeaten in their last five games and currently occupy a Europa League place. What are their strengths?
Hoffenheim work well as a team and things have clicked into place for them recently. Their results reflect that. They are incredibly strong up front and are especially dangerous on the counter, which we will be prepared for. We will have to work our socks off.

Schalke are currently six points clear of the relegation play-off position. Is there a certain amount of pressure on the team right now?
I was in a similar position during my time at Mainz. There are no bad teams in the Bundesliga and every game matters, as anything can happen. I’m confident that we will come through the other side soon. We have to work together as a squad.

FC Augsburg and VfB Stuttgart will face each other on Saturday afternoon, before the Schalke game. Will you keep an eye on that result?
No. I’m only focused on our task. It’s important we play well and get a good result. I can influence that, whereas we cannot do anything about the game in Augsburg. We have to do our own work.