Schalke's Austrian pre‑season sweep fuels Bundesliga confidence
Schalke 04’s 3‑1 pre‑season triumph over Fagiano Okayama in Schwaz, Austria, signals a confident start for the newly promoted Bundesliga side as it completes a perfect four‑match run at its Austrian training camp. The win underlines the squad’s early cohesion and offers a morale boost ahead of the upcoming league campaign.
Robin Gosens celebrated a winning start for Schalke 04 while navigating his own integration, as the newly promoted Bundesliga side secured a 3‑1 pre‑season victory over Fagiano Okayama in Schwaz, Austria, and the 32‑year‑old German international completed the first half of the match. Gosens played the entire first half and was involved in a near‑penalty incident inside the box, though he did not add his name to the scoresheet. His spry and active display was noted despite the intensity of the opening period.
The friendly formed part of a series of four test fixtures at Schalke's training camp in Schwaz, Austria, and the club has now won all four matches, underscoring a strong pre‑season run for the newly promoted Bundesliga outfit. Each match has been used to fine‑tune tactics and assess new signings. The unbeaten record reflects the depth of the squad as it prepares for top‑flight competition.
Speaking to Sky, Gosens described his debut as “really nice.” He added that the first half was “quite intense, hot, and somewhat stressful,” but also “a lot of fun to be with the lads on the pitch.”
When asked about his place in the squad, he admitted that “there are still some automatisms that need to be sorted out” and that he “needs to learn before I can proceed to coach my teammates.” He praised the smooth integration, saying “the integration has proceeded perfectly smoothly” and that “we’re all psyched about accomplishing something together.”
Gosens emphasized his willingness to adapt, stating “I’m also not a shy guy” and that he “needs to get fit as soon as possible and get my legs ready for 90 minutes again.” He noted that achieving full fitness is essential to contribute the full 90 minutes for Schalke.
On tactics, he revealed a preference for operating as a left wing‑back in a 3‑4‑3 formation, noting that with a supportive left back he can advance and become dangerous at the far post. He added that playing as a left back in a back four also suits him, recalling that he featured in 30 games in that role last season, and affirmed that “both systems work for me.”
With the pre‑season campaign still underway, Schalke will aim to preserve its momentum and continue integrating Gosens as it readies for the Bundesliga season. The club’s unbeaten record in Austria provides a positive platform for the challenges ahead.