- Schalke surprised before the league opener with a new number one.
Justin Heekeren has been given the nod over Ron-Thorben Hoffmann in the FC Schalke 04 goal. Coach Karel Geraerts confirmed this ahead of the Bundesliga season opener against Eintracht Braunschweig on Saturday evening (8:30 PM/Sky/Sport 1). He made the decision based on his gut feeling, Geraerts explained.
Many outsiders were surprised by the decision to bench Hoffmann, who was brought in as the new starting goalkeeper in the summer from Braunschweig. Geraerts admitted that the decision was not easy, as both goalkeepers were performing at a similar level. "Justin has the momentum on his side. Justin has my full trust. I'm convinced of his quality," said the 42-year-old Belgian.
Hoffmann, who will likely have to sit on the bench against his former team, may have been disappointed. However, Geraerts assured that Hoffmann reacted well, despite the bad news. Ultimately, Heekeren's performances in the final weeks of training sealed the deal. "He showed me that he's ready for the next step," said Geraerts.
Regardless of any potential goalkeeper controversy, Geraerts is looking forward to the season with a lot of anticipation, hoping to start with a win. "The first two, three games are very important for everyone. If you're successful, you can build on that. If not, you have a problem," said Geraerts, who will be without the injured Aris Bayindir, Amin Younes, and Bryan Lasme.
Geraerts expects a tough opponent with a strong team spirit and playing philosophy. "They're a good team. We'll have respect, but we'll focus on ourselves and put in a good performance," said the coach, keeping his cards close to his chest regarding the starting lineup. "I have trust in all the players. Everyone is ready to take the first step," said the Belgian.
The 3,500 traveling fans from Lower Saxony aim to cause an upset and spoil the party for the favorites. "We want to make it our goal this year to annoy the big teams. Schalke is a big team in this league," said Braunschweig's coach Daniel Scherning. Last season, the Eintracht just managed to secure their spot in the league as the 15th-placed team.
Despite being brought in as the new starting goalkeeper from Braunschweig, Ron-Thorben Hoffmann will have to watch from the bench against his former team, as Justin Heekeren has earned the starting spot due to his impressive performances during the final weeks of training. Germany's Bundesliga team, FC Schalke 04, will be facing Eintracht Braunschweig, which is led by coach Daniel Scherning, who aims to cause an upset and challenge the favorites, including Schalke.
