Schalke 04 fights, but Cologne wins clearly: defensive remains weak

Schalke 04 fights, but Cologne wins clearly: defensive remains weak

In football, it's like in life - sometimes you have to look back and recognize where your own mistakes are. FC Schalke 04 after the clear 1: 3 defeat against 1. FC Köln on September 1, 2024 in the Veltins-Arena has no reason to talk itself out. This disappointing performance was a clear warning that there is still a lot to improve.

The fans in Gelsenkirchen had to experience in the first half how the guests from Cologne took the lead in the 25th minute through Damion Downs. The frustration increased when Linton Maina increased to 2-0 shortly before the change of sides. Immediately after half -time, it came even worse - Tim Lemperle put 3-0 in the 46th minute. The connection goal by Schalke's captain Kenan Karaman in the 66th minute was only correction.

error analysis and team spirit

The striker Karaman left no doubt that a quick and comprehensive error analysis was necessary. "We were too naive among the goals," he criticized his team sharply. "We are not allowed to do three goals in a home game." With a view to the upcoming challenges, especially the game in Karlsruhe, he asked to learn from the mistakes made and courageously go back on the offensive.

The statistics speaks for themselves: After four games, only four points are in the account for the Schalke, although the defensive had to accept nine goals. Only Darmstadt and Braunschweig have conceded even more goals. This leaves room for concern and the question of how to solve this problem as soon as possible.

But not only Karaman took air to his frustration - coach Karel Geraerts also made it clear that the team did not show the necessary efficiency in this meeting. He described the defeat as a "deserved victory for Cologne" and admitted that the Schalke showed weaknesses in both the first goal and the decisions in the first half.

Nevertheless, Geraert emphasized the character of his players. "During the half -time break, we all took energy together because we knew that we only needed one goal to get back with the fans in the back," he said. The disappointment about the quick defeat immediately after the break was a further setback for him, but the will to fight on has remained noticeable with his team.

The large construction site that Karaman and Geraerts mention is about the defensive and the overall development of the game. "We have to work to better prepare for the upcoming games," said Karaman. There is no time to lose for Schalke; The next challenges in the 2nd Bundesliga are already around the corner, and the search for points is top priority.