SEven the precarious sporting situation could not dampen his anticipation. A few minutes before his first training session at FC Schalke 04, returning Sead Kolasinac looked downright euphoric. The 27-year-old left-back, who was on loan from Arsenal for six months, not only wants to stabilize the defense of the Bundesliga bottom, but also to change the mood. “I can’t wait to be back on the pitch with the guys. I want to help the team and take responsibility, ”he said at his presentation on Tuesday.
For the home premiere of the new coach Christian Gross against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (3:30 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Bundesliga and on Sky), Kolasinac will wear the royal blue jersey for the first time since the 2016/17 season. As the main reason for his comeback, he cites the “family” relationship with the Revierklub: “I was trained here and made the leap into the professional team. I don’t forget something like that. This association has grown dear to my heart. “
This declaration of love did not seem excessive. As Kolasinac revealed, in addition to sports director Jochen Schneider, the youth coach Norbert Elgert, who is revered as a cult figure at Schalke, contributed to the return campaign in several long phone calls. “He was always my mentor. He’s always a point of contact for me, even when things aren’t going so well, ”said the defender, describing his intensive relationship with his former youth coach, who, according to himself, prepared him“ mentally ”for his new role as a bearer of hope.
Looking for further reinforcement
Kolasinac can live well with the immense expectations, not only because of the encouragement from Elgert. He confidently referred to his progress: “I left as a teenager and return as a family man. In terms of sport, the Premier League is the best league in the world, so you learn a lot – on and off the pitch. “
In order to prevent relegation, sports director Schneider is looking for further reinforcements. At least one right-back and one striker are on the wish list. After the 3-0 defeat at Hertha BSC, offensive player Mark Uth also called for new top performers: “Those responsible still have to take action on the transfer market. We need players who can help us immediately. “
In view of the financial situation, only loan deals or players without a club come into question. Julian Korb, who was under contract with the second division club Hannover 96 until the summer, is traded as a candidate for the right side of defense. Attacker Dimitri Oberlin, who was sorted out at FC Basel in December, or the former Gladbacher Fabian Johnson are also mentioned.
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