Kees van Wonderen has cautiously started Schalke 04’s upward climb. In the last five matches, they suffered only one loss, and on Friday evening, the league leaders were convincingly defeated. The German media are now certain: Die Knappen will not be in danger of relegation in the 2. Bundesliga.
Embed from Getty Images
Paderborn 2-4 Schalke 04 was more than just a victory for the team from Gelsenkirchen; it was a clear sign that Schalke’s recovery might finally be taking shape.
The result against the league leaders in the 2. Bundesliga was celebrated enthusiastically by the fans and recognized by German media, who praised the attitude and collective performance of Kees van Wonderen’s team.
The match began with intensity and quickly revealed the intentions of both sides. Schalke, often criticized this season for their lack of consistency and defensive organization, appeared more compact and confident. Gradually, the team began to exploit Paderborn’s weaknesses, particularly through quick transitions and the relentless work of their forwards. Kenan Karaman was the main protagonist, scoring two crucial goals that secured the victory.
Comments made before the match by Paderborn’s coach, Lukas Kwasniok, served as extra motivation for Schalke’s players. Kwasniok had stated that Schalke possessed individual quality but did not function well as a team. Those words did not sit well with Schalke, particularly with Karaman, who admitted in a post-match interview that they took the remarks personally and felt they had something to prove.
Karaman’s two goals were a reflection of his determination and sharpness on the night. His first goal came after Schalke capitalized on defensive errors, showing a newfound ruthlessness in front of goal. His second goal, described by some as “Messianic,” demonstrated his individual brilliance, as he timed his movement perfectly and finished clinically.
Despite the attacking success, Schalke’s defensive frailties were once again evident, as both of Paderborn’s goals came from avoidable errors. German outlet Der Westen pointed this out, warning that the glaring defensive mistakes must be addressed if Schalke are to build on this result. Schalke remains statistically one of the weakest defenses in the league, having conceded 31 goals so far only bottom-placed Jahn Regensburg has conceded more with 33.
Manager Kees van Wonderen, however, focused on the positives in his post-match remarks. He emphasized the team’s collective effort and avoided singling out individual performances, despite Karaman’s heroics. “Beating the league leaders is always impressive, but the team really deserved this. Everyone gave their best, and I don’t want to highlight just one player,” Van Wonderen said. His words reflected the importance of teamwork as Schalke look to move further away from the relegation zone.
This victory marks a potential turning point in Schalke’s season, offering a glimpse of what the team can achieve when playing with confidence and cohesion. However, as the German media have noted, consistency will be key. Schalke cannot afford to allow their defensive vulnerabilities to undo the progress made in this match. The three points earned against Paderborn provide a much-needed morale boost, but tougher tests lie ahead.
For now, Schalke’s fans can take pride in a performance that showcased the resilience and attacking flair that has often been lacking this season. The result not only improves their standing in the league but also sends a message to their rivals that Schalke are far from finished. Whether they can sustain this momentum remains to be seen, but the victory over Paderborn was a much-needed step in the right direction.
Updated: 12:22, 7 Dec 2024
