For FC Schalke 04, bottom of the table, only one win counts in the basement duel with VfB Stuttgart (Saturday, 6:30 p.m.). In the run-up, however, the miners are plagued by serious injury concerns. Coach Thomas Reis still demands a self-confident appearance from his protégés.
After four zero numbers in a row, FC Schalke finally wants to get the long-awaited three at the weekend in order not to lose touch in the fight for league status.
In the home game against their direct competitor VfB Stuttgart, however, the Royal Blues are missing numerous professionals. On Thursday, S04 coach Reis confirmed that the defenders Cedric Brunner (broken nose), Jere Uronen and Thomas Ouwejan (both muscular problems) will not be available to him.
“The full-back positions have to be completely reassigned,” sighed Reis, who at least has ideas in mind as to how the personal bloodletting could be absorbed: “You can consider changing the basic order with a lot of central defenders.”
The shoe also pinches further up: Soichiro Kozuki (ankle) and Tim Skarke (foot bruise) are two options for the offensive flanks. At least the Japanese are on the up, Reis added: “I hope he can take an active part in training next week.”
FC Schalke 04: Reis is happy about the pressure
Meanwhile, Reis agrees with the sporting trend of the past few weeks, even if there is still room for improvement. “I’m always optimistic. We’ve created a very good starting position for ourselves,” emphasized the trainer.
To be back in the running to stay in the league spurs him and his players on. “It’s great that we’ve worked on the pressure again. You always have to be under pressure to be awake,” Reis emphasized.
At the same time, he warned of the upcoming opponents: “VfB will come to us with a lot of confidence. The Stuttgarters have a very good transition game, a very good pace.”
Then it’s on to the next basement duel at VfL Bochum. “We have two games ahead of us, which are very important. We have the opportunity to get back into the running,” explained Reis. “Everyone will tear themselves apart” for this.