Marco Friedl: It certainly was an even match. You could certainly see in the first half that both teams were trying to work out the other’s game plan. We lost the ball on too many unnecessary occasions and addressed this issue at half-time. In the second half, we were quicker and played more intensively. We had to work hard to secure the win tonight and were there in the decisive moments of the match. It was also a deserved win.
Max Kruse: I believe the first goal was the decisive moment in the match. We wanted to play better after half-time and score the opening goal. We also knew that Schalke are not so confident with their current form. The opening goal was therefore even more important. We continued to press and benefited from a stroke of luck as Davy’s shot bounced in off the post. It could’ve turned out differently. We were fortunate not to concede as Gudio Burgstaller hit the post. Until then, we actually defended very well. I have to compliment the team for the way in which we battled to victory. We can now celebrate and start to think about Gladbach and continuing our unbeaten run from tomorrow.
Frank Baumann: I’m not sure if tonight’s victory is fully deserved, it is difficult to say. I believe it was a very tight match and we took the lead through an incredible shot from Milot. After going 1-0 ahead, we played well against a strong Schalke side. We threw ourselves into the match but gave the ball away on too many occasions. As a result of this, we were a bit uncertain as we developed into the match. That is especially dangerous here at Schalke as the team carried the home side forwards. It was simply difficult surroundings to play in but we did well once we took the lead.
Florian Kohfeldt: Schalke defended very well and it was difficult for us to settle into the match. It wasn’t a spectacular victory but I’m pleased with my team. Schalke posed a constant threat and played with a lot of physicality. Breel Embolo and Guido Burgstaller offer them a lot of quality, they’re players you cannot take lightly. Therefore, I wasn’t taking any chances. Schalke had a couple of chances but overall we defended very well. After taking the lead, we also were able to control the match and secure the victory. We didn’t become nervous but that isn’t easy. We aren’t able to fully enjoy this moment, instead turning attentions to Sunday’s trip to face Gladbach. Now is the moment which matters, not next year.
Nuri Sahin: We had to approach the match flexibly and be able to adapt to a back four or back five if necessary. We came into the match much better as the match progressed. Our hard work proved to be decisive and it is paying off. Our training camp in South Africa has been important in helping us continue to improve. We have given consistently strong performances in the Rückrunde and we’ve grasped our opportunities. The results have been good and that was the case again tonight.