Heavy workload, good team spirit and no injuries

“That was a big shift considering the intensity we’ve worked at for the last 11 days. We made a lot of progress during the training camp. I’m really satisfied with the commitment the lads have shown,” summed up head coach Dimitrios Grammozis after the Shakhtar game. “Our build-up play was good in parts against Donetsk, and we want to make this perfect before the start of the season. However, on the ball we looked a bit tired– that’s not unusual given the heavy workload though.”

Don’t read too much into friendly results

Simon Terodde had similar thoughts on the friendly against the Ukrainians. “We did well against both Zenit and Donetsk,” he explained. “Both teams are regulars in the Champions League and have a lot of quality. Keeping a clean sheet against both is a good achievement for the team.” The 33-year-old was quick to add that the players won’t read too much into the results from pre-season because “both sides are testing things out anyway.”

The striker made it clear that 0-0 isn’t his favourite result. “I could have scored, but unfortunately couldn’t find the back of the net. I’ll save the goals for the important games,” said Terodde.

Friendly against Vitesse Arnhem

Schalke’s final pre-season friendly is against Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem on Friday night (16/7, 18:00 CEST). A week later, the 2. Bundesliga season will kick off with a home game against Hamburger SV (23/7, 20:30 CEST).

According to Grammozis, the foundations for the new season have been laid in Mittersill. “The lads have worked hard and been a team both on and off the pitch. The group has grown together quickly and the boys are getting to know each better every day. All aspects of the training camp have been positive.” One thing was particularly important for the coach: “Aside from a couple of minor knocks, we’ve avoided injuries despite the heavy workload.”