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After making his eagerly anticipated Schalke debut in a 3-1 pre-season friendly victory over Fagiano Okayama, Robin Gosens spoke to members of the assembled media. Gosens played the entire first half of the contest. the newly promoted Bundesliga outfit won all four of their test fixtures at their training camp in Schwaz, Austria.
Gosens’ main involvement in the last match saw him nearly draw a penalty in the box. While he didn’t get his name on the scoresheet, the 32-year-old appeared spry and active throughout his shift. One could clearly discern that the 24-times-capped German international is excited about playing at his new Bundesliga club.
Robin Gosens on his Schalke debut
“It was really nice,” Gosens told Kicker and Sky. “It was also quite intense, hot, and somewhat stressful during the first half, but it was a lot of fun to be with the lads on the pitch. I’m really all about it.”
“There are still some automatisms that need to be sorted out,” Gosens remarked in response to a later question about his place in the team. “I need to learn before I can proceed to coach my teammates.”
“Otherwise, the integration has proceeded perfectly smoothly,” Gosens continued. “We’re all psyched about accomplishing something together and that always makes integration easier.”
“I’m also not a shy guy,” Gosens concluded. “I’m not afraid to integrate myself as soon as possible. I need to get fit as soon as possible and get my legs ready for 90 minutes again.”
Gosens on his tactical role
“I don’t think it’s a secret that I find myself most comfortable working as a left wingback [in a 3-4-3],” Gosens (who played as one in that position) told reporters when asked about his tactical role. “With a good left back who can supply me with some cover, I can move forward and I consider myself dangerous at the far post.”
“I think we witnessed that today,” Gosens continued. “But [as a left back] in a back four works for me too. I played 30 games last year at that position. It’s not as if it’s something I’m not familiar with. Both systems work for me.”
