Domenico Tedesco: We want to get more shots away against Angers

“In the previous friendlies and especially against Aue we didn’t get enough shots away, which we are looking to change against Angers,” said Domenico Tedesco. “We are still however fine-tuning our game, a process with will take a few more days.” For Tedesco, the test against the French team will be a good indicator to see where his side are currently at, as Angers will play their first league game against Olympique Nimes a week on Saturday (11.08). “They are a slightly further in their preparation for the new season than us,” said the 32-year old.

SCO Angers won’t shy out of any tackles

Angers have been in Austria since August 2nd and have already played West Ham United in a friendly, which they lost 0-1. Former Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez scored the only goal of the game. SCO Angers also played Spanish Europa-league side FC Villarreal before travelling to Austria, drawing 0-0.

Tedesco and his coaching staff have watched footage from both their two friendlies so far: “SCO work well as a team, don’t shy out of any tackles and make it difficult for the opposition,” reported Tedesco. “Last season Angers caused the bigger teams in Ligue 1 problems with their style of playing.” In 2017 Angers reached the final of the French cup, but lost 1-0 against the star-studded Paris Saint-Germain.

Schalke coach praises hard work in training

Domenico Tedesco hasn’t yet disclosed which formation Schalke will start with against Angers: “The team have been working well in training and have been fully motivated. I get the impression, that everyone is giving 100% and is hoping to put themselves forward for the first XI,” he praised. “Therefore it isn’t very easy for me to name a starting XI, exactly what a coach wants!”

Schalke will be missing four players due to injury against Angers. Amine Harit has a thigh strain; Yehven Konoplyanka has a muscle fibre injury and Suat Serdar a sprained ligament. The trio have stayed with the squad in Mittersill, but are unable to fully train. Bastan Oczipka remains out injured having not travelled with the squad to Austria, in order to recover from his operation back in Germany.