FC Schalke 04’s short-lived high was ended by the clear defeat against Werder Bremen. The S04 fans celebrated their players despite the bitter bankruptcy in the promotion race. Sports director Rouven Schröder has expressly praised the reaction of the supporters before the upcoming game against SV Sandhausen.
“This community touched me. Standing behind us after a game like that – that’s what makes the club what it is,” said Schröder at the press conference on Thursday. This cohesion will “be there just as much” in Sandhausen (Friday, 6:30 p.m.).
Before the 4-1 defeat against Werder Bremen, FC Schalke had celebrated five wins in a row under the direction of interim coach Mike Büskens and thus pushed themselves onto a direct promotion spot in the 2nd Bundesliga. With three games to go before the end of the season, the Knappen are second. The belief in the return of the Bundesliga has long since returned.
“We have nothing against euphoria,” Schröder clarified: “It’s nice that there’s this positive thinking around the club again. We have to steer it in the right direction for ourselves. We haven’t gone crazy even after the five wins. The focus is for tomorrow.”
Schalke coach Büskens hopes for “unique moments”
Büskens knows how much promotion would mean to Schalke. “We already said to the boys during the season: boys, if we should go up, then you will experience things that you have never experienced in your life. These are unique moments,” said the 54-year-old.
Büskens can probably plan against SV Sandhausen again with offensive player Marvin Pieringer and defender Thomas Ouwejan. Both trained with the ball during the week, Büskens is “in good spirits”. The use of defensive player Malick Thiaw, however, is on the brink.
SV Sandhausen has been unbeaten in four games and is on the verge of relegation in 14th place.