Honorary goal scorer Soichiro Kozuki, until recently a regional league player, also made the best impression at FC Schalke against Leipzig. In addition, Mehmet Aydin submitted his application for a match against Cologne on Sunday after the break.
His performance stood out from that of his peers: Soichiro Kozuki.
IMAGO/Eibner
As in Frankfurt, Schalke attracted attention against Leipzig, who played in the 5th division at 1. FC Düren until the summer. Soichiro Kozuki crowned his respectable performance at least with the consolation goal in 1: 6 against RB. Coach Thomas Reis, whose playing philosophy based on aggressiveness and offensive courage had hardly been implemented at all, described Kozuki as a “ray of hope”.
A nice praise for the carefree Japanese. However, it must be something to think about when a player from the professional squad, who until recently played for the U23s in the regional league, stands out again and again (including test matches in preparation). That says a lot about a team whose attitude and quality openly questioned captain Danny Latza with a view to the 1:6.
Schalke had “sworn in” during the break (0:4), Latza revealed later. The players wanted to go to work “with positive body language” after the change of sides. That worked at times.
After Kozuki’s goal to make it 1:4 in the meantime, the Gelsenkircheners, immediately passionately whipped up by their supporters, who were still whistling at the break, played vigorously for a few minutes, but overall there was quickly an air pump alarm on the field again.
Exception Aydin
Mehmet Aydin was one of the big exceptions for whom this was less the case. He came on at the break for the completely overwhelmed Jere Uronen and showed bite in his actions in an unfamiliar role on the left. Above all, his courageous direct acceptance from the second row (63rd) got stuck. The ball just missed the goal. “I felt like I was in good spirits,” said Aydin. He really wanted to go ahead.
The striking appearance is basically one of the characteristics of the 20-year-old, but he has had a difficult time under rice so far. This gnaws at the home-grown child, who, when asked about the many previous non-considerations, expressed himself both diplomatically and professionally: “Must have feelings sometimes you have to suppress it and just step on the gas.”
At the moment he is making a good impression again
Thomas Reis on Mehmet Aydin
Reis says: “His performances are sometimes very changeable, you could see that in the training camp. At the moment he’s making a good impression again. There were a few good actions in his duels against Leipzig.” Aydin also made mistakes, but with his powerful performance after the break he recommended himself for a game against 1. FC Köln (3.30 p.m., LIVE! at kicker). Royal blue needs grittiness now more than ever.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/05/21/3972226-80639228-2560-1440.jpg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1)
