In the last summer transfer window, many Schalke 04 fans also noticed that there was a lack of clear speed players again. A deficit that has not been processed and is now falling on the club’s feet. Thomas Reis sees it that way too.
There are many aspects of Schalke’s game that are by no means well developed. Although Frank Kramer focused on the defensive, the defense showed holes like Swiss cheese. The fact that the offensive was left on the left at the same time has been easy to see since the first day of the game. Too weak and sluggish in defense, no plan and structure in attack.
What both areas have in common: there is a lack of speed. S04 has neither fast wingers nor (fit) defenders who cannot easily be overrun.
Many fans had already noticed that around the transfer summer. After all, a lack of speed players has been an issue for the Gelsenkircheners for years – also this season.
Thomas Reis was also asked about this aspect on Thursday. At the press conference he replied (via WAZ): “Tempo does play a role. I was already spoiled by Bochum.”
“But if you start running at the right moment, if you have a clean technique, then you can get the advantage of taking the ball with you cleanly,” he said of one way to compensate for the lack of speed. However, over the last few weeks it has become increasingly clear that Schalke cannot come up with fine technicians either.
Reis continues accordingly: “We may not have the players who run into the room and run away from the opponent. I have to find other solutions.”
Another solution he addresses, for example, would be a style of play that focuses on possession. Then not so much importance should be attached to a fast switching game. The problem: mid-season, changing the whole style of play that Kramer instilled in the team is next to impossible. So the coach will have to turn individual screws.
This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as Reis laments Schalke’s lack of pace: “It does play a role”.
