The Schalke fans applauded Leon Goretzka as he left the pitch in the 82nd minute on Sunday to be replaced by Franco Di Santo. The U21 Germany international scored to make it 3-0 to Schalke in the 58th minute. The midfielder also scored just four days earlier in the midweek Europa League game against RB Salzburg. The Royal-Blues moved up to 16th in the Bundesliga after the 4-0 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach and can feel better going into the international break.
The Germany U21 captain Leon Goretzka spoke to DFB.de in an interview about winning with FC Schalke 04, his new position in attacking midfield and his return to the U21 national squad for the upcoming Euro qualifiers. Head coach Stefan Kuntz and his side face Russia in Ingolstadt on Friday (18:00 CEST) and Austria on Tuesday in St. Pölten.
Interviewer: Leon Goretzka, how did it feel to win your first three points of the season with FC Schalke?
Leon Goretzka: It was an extremely important win for us. We have finally managed to win our first three points in the league. It feels even better that it was a 4-0 win over Gladbach.
Interviewer: You scored the third goal. How did it feel when the team scored three goals in six minutes in the second half?
Goretzka: It was a frenzy. It all went very quickly after we scored the penalty. Gladbach actually started the second half very well but after the penalty we showed the quality we have upfront and how quickly we can attack. It was a prime example of what we want to do.
Interviewer: What was the difference on Sunday compared to the five losses beforehand?
Goretzka: We played solidly as a team but we shifted quickly when we wanted to attack. We were more certain and confident on the pitch, which isn’t always easy. In the last few weeks we have often gone behind first. Therefore we have to give the team a big compliment for getting the win, especially against such a good opponent who have a lot of attacking quality. We are very happy about keeping a clean sheet and scoring four goals against Gladbach.
Interviewer: You had an emergency meeting with manager Christian Heidel at the beginning of the week. How important was that for the team?
Goretzka: We were in a bad situation and we had to change something. It was absolutely necessary that we spoke to each other and rectify the situation. We have made the first step in the right direction. But it’s only an initial step. We haven’t fully rectified our situation.
Interviewer: Would you call it a perfect week for Schalke after the 3-1 win against RB Salzburg on Thursday?
Goretzka: We have now won two games in a row which has helped our situation a lot. The 4-0 win over Gladbach also gave us three points. But we are in sixteenth place in the table and that is still too low. We have to stay there, we can’t go any lower and we have to make sure we get the next three points.
Interviewer: Markus Weinzierl has been playing you further forward in the number 10 position. How are you finding your new role in attacking midfield?
Goretzka: It’s something different to play further upfront. I can use my running ability well there but also fill in holes in defence and help the team. When you play further upfront you end up in the box more often. So it’s more likely that you will pose a threat on goal. I’ve ended up scoring twice in the last two games. I hope that I can add to my goal tally in the future.
Interviewer: Now here’s the question: Would you rather start preparing for the next match against FC Augsburg instead of playing with the national team?
Goretzka: Of course we would want to start preparing right away and keep up our form. But at the same time, we’ve had a very hectic schedule lately. Maybe a few of the players can use the international break to rest up.
Interviewer: It’s not a rest for you as you have been called up against for the Germany U21 side. What are you expecting from the Euro qualifiers against Russia and Austria?
Goretzka: We have to win our first game so that we can secure a place in the finals. That’s what we’re focusing on and are excited about.
Interviewer: And against Austria?
Goretzka: Last time round we beat Austria 4-2 but they are a very good side. We will do everything we can to win the match. We are a strong group of players. If we manage to play well together as a team on the pitch I’m convinced that we will be able to win both matches.
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The Schalke fans applauded Leon Goretzka as he left the pitch in the 82nd minute on Sunday to be replaced by Franco Di Santo. The U21 Germany international scored to make it 3-0 to Schalke in the 58th minute. The midfielder also scored just four days earlier in the midweek Europa League game against RB Salzburg. The Royal-Blues moved up to 16th in the Bundesliga after the 4-0 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach and can feel better going into the international break.
The Germany U21 captain Leon Goretzka spoke to DFB.de in an interview about winning with FC Schalke 04, his new position in attacking midfield and his return to the U21 national squad for the upcoming Euro qualifiers. Head coach Stefan Kuntz and his side face Russia in Ingolstadt on Friday (18:00 CEST) and Austria on Tuesday in St. Pölten.
Interviewer: Leon Goretzka, how did it feel to win your first three points of the season with FC Schalke?
Leon Goretzka: It was an extremely important win for us. We have finally managed to win our first three points in the league. It feels even better that it was a 4-0 win over Gladbach.
Interviewer: You scored the third goal. How did it feel when the team scored three goals in six minutes in the second half?
Goretzka: It was a frenzy. It all went very quickly after we scored the penalty. Gladbach actually started the second half very well but after the penalty we showed the quality we have upfront and how quickly we can attack. It was a prime example of what we want to do.
Interviewer: What was the difference on Sunday compared to the five losses beforehand?
Goretzka: We played solidly as a team but we shifted quickly when we wanted to attack. We were more certain and confident on the pitch, which isn’t always easy. In the last few weeks we have often gone behind first. Therefore we have to give the team a big compliment for getting the win, especially against such a good opponent who have a lot of attacking quality. We are very happy about keeping a clean sheet and scoring four goals against Gladbach.
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Interviewer: You had an emergency meeting with manager Christian Heidel at the beginning of the week. How important was that for the team?
Goretzka: We were in a bad situation and we had to change something. It was absolutely necessary that we spoke to each other and rectify the situation. We have made the first step in the right direction. But it’s only an initial step. We haven’t fully rectified our situation.
Interviewer: Would you call it a perfect week for Schalke after the 3-1 win against RB Salzburg on Thursday?
Goretzka: We have now won two games in a row which has helped our situation a lot. The 4-0 win over Gladbach also gave us three points. But we are in sixteenth place in the table and that is still too low. We have to stay there, we can’t go any lower and we have to make sure we get the next three points.
Interviewer: Markus Weinzierl has been playing you further forward in the number 10 position. How are you finding your new role in attacking midfield?
Goretzka: It’s something different to play further upfront. I can use my running ability well there but also fill in holes in defence and help the team. When you play further upfront you end up in the box more often. So it’s more likely that you will pose a threat on goal. I’ve ended up scoring twice in the last two games. I hope that I can add to my goal tally in the future.
Interviewer: Now here’s the question: Would you rather start preparing for the next match against FC Augsburg instead of playing with the national team?
Goretzka: Of course we would want to start preparing right away and keep up our form. But at the same time, we’ve had a very hectic schedule lately. Maybe a few of the players can use the international break to rest up.
Interviewer: It’s not a rest for you as you have been called up against for the Germany U21 side. What are you expecting from the Euro qualifiers against Russia and Austria?
Goretzka: We have to win our first game so that we can secure a place in the finals. That’s what we’re focusing on and are excited about.
Interviewer: And against Austria?
Goretzka: Last time round we beat Austria 4-2 but they are a very good side. We will do everything we can to win the match. We are a strong group of players. If we manage to play well together as a team on the pitch I’m convinced that we will be able to win both matches.
