"It doesn't happen without leaving a mark"

Mr. Asamoah, how are you doing after a turbulent few days?

"It has been an extremely difficult and emotional few days, that's for sure. I've been part of this wonderful club for so long, and the club just means a real, real lot to me. So a situation like this obviously doesn't happen without leaving a mark. But we now need to look forwards. That's important. There are big challenges awaiting us. There's a lot to do. That's what I'm focusing on."

Schalke have four games left this season. Despite relegation already being confirmed, what are your aims?

"Very simply, we now want to finish the season in the most respectable way possible."

The reverse fixture ended a run of 30 consecutive matches without a win in the Bundesliga. What are your memories of that game?

"I was still the manager of the Schalke U23s at that point, so I wasn't directly involved. But more than anything else, I obviously have very vivid memories of Matthew Hoppe, who was actually an U23 player at the time, scoring three goals. That was a spine-tingling moment; I was absolutely delighted for him."

What are your plans for next season in the Bundesliga 2?

"Well, we still have four matches awaiting us this season for which we are preparing with great diligence. But obviously in parallel our plans for the Bundesliga 2 are in full swing. The season starts very early. It's going to be important for us to create the foundations in the summer so that we can grow together as a team and prepare ourselves for the season in the best-possible way."

How do you assess TSG Hoffenheim as an opponent?

"Hoffenheim are in good form and unbeaten in four games. By drawing with Leverkusen and Leipzig, and winning against Gladbach, the team have recently shown what they're capable of."

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