Schalke´s Rangnick hoping first impressions last

New Schalke coach Ralk Rangnick is satisfied with the effort shown by his players and wants them to match it on the pitch against St Pauli.

Rangnick, who resigned from Hoffenheim in January, took over at the Veltins-Arena on March 17, replacing Felix Magath.

The 52-year-old, entering his second spell in charge of the club, likes what he has seen from the squad so far during training sessions.

Rangnick’s first match back in charge comes away to relegation-threatened St Pauli on Friday, where he will be looking for a win to kick start his new reign.

“My first impression is very good. The boys worked well,” Rangnick said.

“They paid attention and showed a good effort. It’s the first game tomorrow and I hope we get three points against St. Pauli.”

“I expect a team that is willing to go out and work hard for 90 minutes … then you can afford one or the other little mistake. And I don’t think St Pauli will be free of mistakes.”

“For me it is important that the team is lively and shows our supporters that they know what it is all about. They have to do it happily and with great effort.”

Rangnick, who has also coached Stuttgart and Hannover in a 28-year managerial career, believes the club’s expectant fans must be patient while he seeks to make changes from Magath’s tenure.

“It is clear that we can’t teach the team a complete new way of playing within eight or ten days, especially if you have an incomplete squad. This would be unrealistic. We have to be patient now. It is about showing the team step by step.”

“Some might have thought it works if you skip a step here and there, but that is not right. We need to show patience now. You also need to show intuition and develop the team towards the direction we want it to be.”