- Goalkeeper Heekeren is the new number one at Schalke.
Justin Heekeren is the new number one goalkeeper for FC Schalke 04. Coach Karel Geraerts confirmed this during a press conference. Heekeren will therefore guard the goal of the Royal Blues in the 2nd Bundesliga season opener on Saturday evening against Eintracht Braunschweig (8:30 PM/Sky/Sport 1). The newcomer from Braunschweig, Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, will have to sit on the bench.
For Geraerts, it was a close decision between the two goalkeepers. The fact that Heekeren was ultimately chosen came as a surprise to outsiders. "Justin has the momentum on his side. If the performances are equal, I follow my gut feeling. Justin has my full trust. I am convinced of his quality," said the 42-year-old Belgian, who will have to do without the injured Aris Bayindir, Amin Younes, and Bryan Lasme against Braunschweig.
Despite being a newcomer, Ron-Thorben Hoffmann will likely watch the opening game of the 2nd Bundesliga from the bench, as Justin Heekeren has been chosen as the starting goalkeeper. Justin Heekeren's selection as the first-choice goalkeeper was unexpected to many external observers, but Coach Karel Geraerts trusts in Heekeren's momentum and quality in goal.
