A couple of weeks rest, well-deserved relaxation after an intense season. Then it was back to preparation for the new season for head coach Thomas Reis. On Monday, he gathered his players on the training pitch for the first time. Afterwards, the coach gave information about personnel and preparation.

The last few weeks have been quite eventful for Weston McKennie. The 20- year-old extended his contract and finished runner up at the Gold Cup after captaining the US national team in the final. In an interview with schalke04.de, the midfielder looks back on a busy summer and talks about the future.

The Ecuadorian, who was under contract at Augsburg until 2024, has joined Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes, whose head coach Luchi Gonzalez was also at the helm during Gruezo’s spell with FC Dallas. The transfer fee is undisclosed.

“I expect to face a very intense and tactically astute side,” Xavi said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “We consider Bayern to be one of the best sides in the world. We were very good in Munich, but we didn’t convert our chances. Tomorrow, we have to show that was an aberration.”

You scored our first goal en route to the Europa League title last season, and what an important one it was! How often do you think back to that campaign?
“It was such a great moment and one that I’ll remember for the rest of my career and the rest of my life. That 1-0 win in Antwerp was the start of an incredible journey. Frankfurt still occupies a big place in my heart.”

Bayer Leverkusen, who, behind RB Leipzig, have scored the second-most goals on the counter in the league this season (six), sat deep in the initial stages, looking for any opportunity to break. Given that Moussa Diaby, who had recently been out due to an adductor injury, was back in the starting line-up for the first time in a while, it made sense that they employed such tactics early on. 

Davie Selke will continue playing in the Bundesliga after the winter break, but no longer with the Hertha flag on his chest. The forward is leaving the capital after five and a half years to join 1. FC Köln. Both clubs agreed on the transfer on Monday (02.01.23). “We have always spoken openly with Davie about his situation and his contract with us, which ends in the summer. He had the opportunity to move within the Bundesliga during this transfer window, and we have agreed to his wishes,” explained Fredi Bobic regarding the player’s departure.

The substitutes: Philipp, Bičakčić, Dabbur, Stiller, Rudy, Dolberg, Bischof, Tohumcu, Asllani

Five games unbeaten in the Champions League | Joško Gvardiol’s second goal in Europe’s elite competition | Szoboszlai’s 75th competitive appearance

“We could have played for another 45 minutes and not found the net,” said Martin Schmidt after Saturday’s defeat to Bayer 04. FSV were ultimately punished for wasting early chances and failing to take advantage of their periods of dominance. After taking the lead, the guests remained resolute and made it difficult for Mainz to break them down.