The boss on the game: Florian Kohfeldt spoke about how much he’s looking forward to the game in his press conference, emphasising how strong Schalke are in attack. “Mark Uth and Breel Embolo have a lot of individual quality and we have to be awake,” he said. The boss also added that “We shouldn’t change our playing style but we should play with greater precision. Every chance has to feel like it’s the last, and with this, we have to take them.”
Squad news: Fin Bartels is out for the cup game at Schalke after missing the last few weeks of training with a muscle injury. “The healing process is going very well and we don’t need to starting panicking that he’s out long term,” said Kohfeldt. Philipp Bargfrede also is not fit for the game. Apart from the pair, Florian Kohfeldt has a full squad to choose from. Claudio Pizarro could be available for the game.
The opponents: FC Schalke 04 have not been performing as they would have liked this season. The side finished second last season and took part in the Champions League this year, but currently find themselves in a relegation battle. However, they’ve managed to put some distance between themselves and the drop zone after parting company with Domenico Tedesco, appointing Huub Stevens and beating Hannover 96 1-0 at the weekend. Schalke will be going into the cup game with some new-found confidence.