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Mike Büskens previews Darmstadt away
FC Schalke 04 are looking for a fifth straight win on Sunday when they travel to play SV Darmstadt 98 (17/4, 13:30 CEST). Head coach Mike Büskens knows how difficult a game it will be at the Böllenfalltor. “Darmstadt have players that are both physically strong and are good technically too,” said the 54-year-old.
“Their combination play is good and they’ve got attackers that can hold the ball up for their teammates,” praised Büskens, who stressed that Torsten Lieberknecht’s team deserve to be where they are in the table. SVD currently sit fourth, two points behind S04, the league leaders.
Ouwejan a doubt
Thomas Ouwejan, who missed the win over 1. FC Heidenheim last time out, is a doubt for this match due to a calf knock. “We don’t want to rush him back,” said Büskens, pointing to the importance of the Dutchman in the run-in. “We’re more hopeful of having him back after Darmstadt,” he added.
Henning did well last week, so he’s definitely earned our trust.
Mehmet Can Aydin and Andreas Vindheim have continued to up their workloads as they look to return from injury. “They’re both on the right track and we’re happy with them,” stated Büskens. Marius Lode, who filled in at right-back against Hannover 96 and Dynamo Dresden, will probably be missing again this weekend. “Marius still has Covid-19, so it’s unlikely he’ll recover in time for Darmstadt,” reported the head coach. Another option for the right side is Henning Matriciani. “Henning did well last week, so he’s definitely earned our trust.”
Büskens praises Itakura as a ‘complete player’
Ko Itakura has also been able to pay back the trust the coach has put in him. The Japan international, who has started in defensive midfield in three of the last four games, scored his fourth goal of the season in the 3-0 win against Heidenheim last time out. “It’s great to see what a complete player he is,” Büskens said about the 25-year-old, who had previously only ever featured at centre-back for Schalke. “Ko is a great player and we are incredibly happy to have him in our team,” said the coach, choosing to highlight another of Itakura’s talents: “His first job is to make sure that we are solid at the back, which he does very well.”
