After the home defeat against FC Augsburg and the style of play that has now been loudly criticized, Schalke 04 is facing important and probably quite turbulent weeks. Because of this, but also because of injuries, it is time for Frank Kramer to increasingly rely on certain players.
Schalke threaten restless weeks. The home defeat against FC Augsburg has already caused a lot of disappointment. Both the three points given and the style of play were grounds for criticism.
In the rest of October, difficult games await the Gelsenkirchen team. First it is against Bayer Leverkusen, then in the league and in the DFB Cup against TSG Hoffenheim, before the duels with Hertha BSC and SC Freiburg follow. All challenging games in which the royal blues need as many successful experiences as possible in order not to slip into the table cellar.
So it is now time for Frank Kramer to make one or the other personnel decision. On the one hand, he has to take some players out of the starting XI. On the other hand, previous bench pressers have to be given more playing time if a style of play is finally to be established that can also ensure goals and more ball possession.
A decision for Leo Greiml looks like a no-brainer given Sepp van den Berg’s injury. But his replacement is probably less set in stone than one would initially think. After all, Kramer is a fan of Henning Matriciani. Although – like on Sunday – he shows again and again that he doesn’t really have the class for the Bundesliga, the coach is sticking with him in the first eleven. Mehmet Aydin even had to stand back when Cedric Brunner was out. Since Matriciani is actually more of a central than an outside defender, he is certainly an option for the coach. But: Greiml absolutely has to play now. The Austrian has already shown in several substitutions and in the friendly during the international break that he has put his cruciate ligament rupture behind him and that he has what it takes for the Bundesliga. Despite his young age of 21, he already plays calmly, is strong in tackles and has a good build-up. The summer newcomer must now move into the first eleven.
In the Schalke midfield, a cool head and strategic thinking will be necessary in the coming weeks. While Tom Krauß is not an option in the starting eleven, replacing Florian Flick would be more conceivable. Although he has shown solid performances recently, Kral is more likely to play the role of thinker and driver. In addition, the Czech has already gained significantly more professional experience, which can also be helpful. He does not win fewer duels as a flick, the mileage will be marginally lower at most. However, it would be more important if Schalke came up with more with the ball than against it.
Whether as a left-back or on the same side a bit more offensive: Tobias Mohr has steadily improved over the past few days and has shown himself to be a valuable player. Just because Thomas Ouwejan was of great value last season, while his influence is currently declining as part of a defensive back four, doesn’t mean the Dutchman should automatically be placed in front of him. Mohr’s crosses and set pieces haven’t proved any worse either. In addition, he seems to be getting the mix of defensive and offensive implemented better than Ouwejan. His commitment and passion were also commendable. Kramer should pull himself together and keep counting on him.
Jordan Larsson will also have to play much more often in the coming weeks. So far, his impact on the S04 game has been quite small. On the one hand, that was due to the defensive orientation, especially in the derby, and on the other hand to his role as a winger. Another advantage would be the bank place for Sebastian Polter, who has not yet been able to earn his stakes at all. Larsson on the outside, but then with more involvement and offensive play, or in the centre: It’s time for the 25-year-old to show his skills may also use in the spirit of Schalke.
Demanding a regular place in the starting eleven for Florent Mollet would currently be greatly exaggerated. After all, Dominick Drexler doesn’t do a bad job, while the Frenchman has hardly been able to show himself so far. But that’s exactly what he should be allowed to do in a timely manner. In the last three games he wasn’t even part of the squad. The team could very well use a midfielder who brings creativity and a good feel for the ball with him. Rodrigo Zalazar’s absence can and must finally give the new summer signing more chances. Gütersloh or not: He was one of the very few players who could work for more trust in this test.
This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as Schalke turbulent weeks ago: Kramer should increasingly rely on these players.
