By Henrik Petersen

Hamza Mendyl explains why he struggled at Schalke 04

Hamza Mendyl has reflected on a difficult year at Schalke 04.
Hamza Mendyl.
Hamza Mendyl.Photo: Антон Зайцев/Soccer.ru/CC-by-SA 3.0
Hamza Mendyl says his year at Schalke 04 taught him the importance of discipline in football.

The 21-year-old made the switch to Schalke from Lille in 2018, but left to join Dijon in the summer after a difficult season in Germany.

Mendyl was handed plenty of playing time under Domenico Tedesco in the beginning, but eventually slipped down the pecking order and was excluded from Schalke's squad after Huub Stevens took over as caretaker in March.

"At first, everything was going well, but after the change of coach, it was more complicated for me. But it had nothing to do with football. It was a matter of discipline. I was late a number of times which cost me my place in the squad. But we all make mistakes, and we all get a second chance," Mendyl told France Football.

"I learned that you have to be very rigorous in football. Discipline is very important," he added.

Mendyl made a total of 16 appearances for Schalke.

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