Reis: "I saw a lot of things that we worked on in training"
Schalke were 60 seconds away from picking up a win in a friendly against FC Zürich on Saturday (07/01). However, due to a penalty to the Swiss team in the 89th minute the first fixture during the training camp in Belek ended in a 2-2 draw. Thomas Reis’ verdict is mixed.
“It is annoying that we didn’t win. I feel really sorry for the team about that,” said the head coach, before continuing, “I saw a lot of things that we worked on in training. We created a lot of chances and looked for a finish. The last passage of play with the penalty can’t be allowed to happen.”
What had happened? Mehmet Can Aydin made a slightly impetuous challenge on Aiyegun Tosin in the box, bringing him down, with the referee pointing to the spot. “It was a bit naïve, but Memo will learn from that. He is still a young player,” said the coach.
Coach praises play in transition
Nevertheless, the coach was pleased with what he saw in large stretches of the game prior to the late equaliser. “We had good phases in transition. We want to build on that in the coming days.” He also suggested that despite the high training intensity the team had not taken it easy. “That makes me feel positive,” said Reis.
In friendlies and in training camps, you have to get past your weaker self.
“In friendlies and in training camps, you have to get past your weaker self. After lots of, and also intense, training sessions your legs obviously feel heavy, but we are here to work, not to have a holiday. Especially when you are tired the team has to function better. I think that the boys did well in both directions – both going forward and when going backwards over long periods.”
But Reis could also see areas to improve on. “We didn’t defend opposition set pieces well, explained the 49-year-old. “At the same time, we still have to improve our own set pieces. Zürich were better than us in this area.“ Reis confessed that dead-ball situations would be on the training schedule in the coming days. The Royal Blues will also work on specific technical aspects. The second friendly during the stay on the Turkish Riviera will take place on Thursday (10/01) at 13:30 CET (15:30 local time in Belek) against 1. FC Nürnberg.
