Steven Skrzybski: An indescribable feeling

The new signing from FC Union Berlin fulfilled a life-long dream in the 74th minute of the game. Domenico Tedesco sent on Skrzybski for Breel Embolo, a player who made it no secret how much he loves the club and how excited he was to play his first game in front of the home crowd. “I have waited a long time for this moment, to be able to play for Schalke,” the 25-year-old said excitedly after his debut.

However, it was not the only dream to come true this afternoon. Only a few seconds had passed after coming on, when Skrzybski received a pass in the penalty area, and after a great touch, the striker leathered the ball past the Fiorentina goalkeeper Alban Lafont to make it 2-0. “To score so soon after coming on makes me happy,” he said happily, “but the win also makes me even happier”.

Nine minutes after Skrzybski’s goal, Cedric Teuchert scored the third and final goal. After failing to create many chances in the first 45 minutes, Schalke’s offensive players made a number of good chances in the second period. „The first half was a tactical affair, whereas in the second half we had more space, which we made for ourselves well. Next week we need to be able to do this again,“ analysed Skrzybski, who feels his team is fully ready for the start of the season next week: „We have had a long pre-season, whereby the squad has grown together.“ Perhaps the winger will be able to fulfil his next dream by scoring his first competitive goal for Die Knappen against Schweinfurt in the DFB Pokal.