Omar Mascarell reflects on difficult first season at Schalke 04
Omar Mascarell has opened up on his tough first season at Schalke 04.
Omar Mascarell initially struggled to live up to the expectations at Schalke 04 following his move to Veltins-Arena from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2018.
But since David Wagner was appointed Schalke coach ahead of this season, Mascarell has emerged as an important part of the team.
"I want to do what I do now last season already; to be important for the team, to be a leader and to play every game when I'm fit – just like I did at Frankfurt for two years before that. With a year's delay, I've succeeded," Macarell told Sport Bild.
The 26-year-old felt it was impossible for him to reach his top level during last season, because he rarely got the chance to play several games in a row.
"You can't play at the highest level if you're in the starting eleven for one game, only to find yourself on the bench for three or four games after that. That makes it impossible to find your rhythm, and your confidence suffers as a result of that. Moreover, our results weren't good," Mascarell said.
Mascarell admits he found it hard to understand the club's decision to bring in Sebastian Rudy from Bayern München for the defensive midfield position as well.
"In my opinion, we had enough players for the position. But I accepted it, even if it was hard for me. I said to myself, 'Come on, Omar, you're a good player!'. I fully believed in myself."
Mascarell has featured in every game for Schalke under Wagner. Rudy is now playing for Hoffenheim on loan.