More competition, tougher coaching decisions: Dominick Drexler didn’t even make it into the FC Schalke squad for the 5-0 win in Aue. Especially in the centre, the battle for places is now coming to a head.
Dimitrios Grammozis was spot on with his personnel decisions in the 5-0 win over Erzgebirge Aue. Here are the most striking examples: Full-back Andreas Vindheim was preferred to Reinhold Ranftl and became the match-winner with his goal for the important 2:0, a tailor-made assist and two assists. Attackman Marvin Pieringer replaced Marius Bülter and Darko Churlinov as Simon Terodde’s partner in attack and also impressed with a goal (5:0), an assist and two assists. Double goal scorer Danny Latza was the perfect wild card after coming on as a substitute.
Grammozis meanwhile has the luxury problem of having numerous candidates available to him for his starting eleven. Also in the midfield centre. As before against Kiel (1:1), the coach again decided to call up Blendi Idrizi and Rodrigo Zalazar to the starting eleven. Both delivered an overall average performance. Captain Latza came in for Zalazar at the break and scored twice straight away. It was a perfect application for a starting spot when Jahn Regensburg visit Schalke after the league break.
Will Dominick Drexler at least be back in the Königsblauen squad then? At any rate, that was not the case against Aue. Instead, Yaroslav Mikhailov came on as a substitute for Idrizi after 80 minutes.
Grammozis forced into tough decisions
Drexler was in no way injured or stricken, his omission had solely sporting reasons. It is clear proof that the competition wanted by all Schalke players is now coming to a head. This competition is conducive to performance, but it also forces Grammozis to make some tough personnel decisions. As in the case of Drexler. “I don’t want to say that he was too bad in training,” the coach stressed after the 5-0 win in Aue. The coaching team just has to “name a squad”.
Grammozis encouraged Drexler. “This time Dominick wasn’t there. But that can change again after the international break,” said the coach. “Everyone can step on the gas, everyone can show themselves. Dominick too. “
