Stevens: Achieved our objectives in Qatar
11.01.2012
With the training camp in Qatar coming to a close, Huub Stevens takes stock on schalke04.com. His summary of the time spent in Doha is a positive one.
Huub Stevens on…
…the work on the training ground in Qatar:
Ahead of the training camp we set out the objectives we wanted to achieve. These objectives have been met. I'm very happy with the way our preparations have gone. We've developed a number of things during the sessions. The conditions in the Aspire Zone are superb and the players have worked really well on the training ground.
…the friendly defeat against Al-Sadd:
Some players may have been a little tired from training and therefore weren't able to reach their full performance level. The fact is we've been training several times a day. In friendlies the result is not the most important thing. It's what you learn during the 90 minutes.
…the line-up against the Asian Champions League winners:
We experimented a little in midfield. That was necessary because we'll be without Jermaine Jones for some weeks due to his suspension and Lewis Holtby is carrying a knock. We have several options in the holding position. The fact I took Christoph Moritz off after half an hour had nothing whatsoever to do with his performance. We made a tactical change because I had to introduce a second forward in Teemu Pukki. In the first half Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was left isolated too often in the lone striker's role. I spoke to Christoph about it and explained why he had to come off so early. He understands.
…Timo Hildebrand's early departure:
He's become a father for the first time. That's something very special. Timo received a phone call from his girlfriend and asked us if he could leave. We said yes, of course. The whole squad are delighted for Timo and his young family.
…Jefferson Farfan and Lewis Holtby:
Jeff has trained very well. Unfortunately he can't resume full training yet after his ligament injury. I don't know as yet when he'll be able to train with the rest of the squad. I'm presuming he won't be fit in time for the restart against Stuttgart, unless a miracle happens. Lewis went over on his ankle in training and suffered a recurrence of his old foot injury. At the moment I can't say when he'll be back. I have to wait to hear what our doctors say.
