IIn the third game under Thomas Reis, Bundesliga bottom Schalke 04 managed their first win. The handwriting of the new coach is gradually becoming visible. “He sets an example, we’re much braver,” said striker Marius Bülter after the 1-0 (1-0) win against FSV Mainz 05, “we manage to create chances to score, to get into the last third better. We defend more actively, win the ball further up the field.”
After such a ball win, the goal of the day came from Simon Terodde (10th), which brought the first win of the season since September 10th (3-1 against VfL Bochum) and ended the club’s record series of seven defeats. “It was clear to us that we had to win the game in order not to lose touch completely before the break,” said Bülter: “But in the end it was a very small step, we’re still in last place. Nevertheless, it’s just good to have that feeling of victory again.”
Because it was enough for Schalke to win, Bülter could also laugh about his faux pas shortly before the end. “I ate a piece of cake before the game,” he said, jokingly explaining why he didn’t take his big chance in the 86th minute. Bülter had already rounded Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner, but then shot the ball at the post instead of into the almost empty goal. Mainz risked everything again in the end, but couldn’t equalize on Wednesday evening.
“I’ve actually already passed, then I see that someone is on the line and try to shoot him up,” the 29-year-old explained the scene and added: “We don’t need to talk about the fact that I have to put it in. “
