Coach Thomas Reis gave an insight into FC Schalke 04’s transfer planning during the winter break and announced a possible surprise in the goalkeeper position.
“We are looking for someone for the center and fast players for the outside,” said Reis in an interview with the “Funke Media Group”.
Together with sports director Peter Knäbel, chief scout André Hechelmann and René Grotus from the Schalke management, he “decided which positions we need,” said Reis, who is in 18th place with Schalke despite a slight improvement in form since taking office at the end of October.
The Revierklub is trying to “strengthen the squad selectively in order to be successful with more speed and switching games,” said the Schalke line manager.
According to Thomas Reis, FC Schalke 04 are still attractive
The former coach of VfL Bochum did not deny the alleged interest in Tim Skarke from Union Berlin. “In general, I can say that the Schalke 04 name is still attractive, even though we’re at the bottom of the table,” said Reis.
The 49-year-old places hopes in the mission of staying up in the Japanese defender Maya Yoshida, who played well after a weak half-year in the S04 jersey at the World Cup in Qatar.
“I hope that the World Cup will give him a boost. Maya is someone who likes to pull back the defensive line. That made it easier for the opponent in some cases. I try to give him a hand to defend more actively,” said Reis, who hardly had any personal alternatives in the defense headquarters before the World Cup break.
“Until now I’ve only had two central defenders for two positions. Let’s see which central defender comes back and when – then the competition will open up. Everyone has to prove themselves again, including Maya,” the Schalke head coach clarified.
FC Schalke 04: surprise in the goalkeeper position?
A surprise may be looming at the bottom in the goalkeeper position, where summer newcomer Alexander Schwolow was not convincing in the first half of the season: U23 keeper Justin Heekeren, regular number three in the professional squad, should be given a chance to prove himself during the winter break.
“He’s very good at football. I want to see him at a higher level in preparation. Maybe he can follow in big footsteps – we’ll see whether it’s in the first game in 2023 against Frankfurt or later,” said the trainer about him 22-year-old goalkeeper who is considered a great talent.