Schalke 04 had to leave the Weser empty-handed on Saturday evening. And that despite what is possibly the "best performance of the season", as Alex Kral put it. Against Werder Bremen, S04 showed an important improvement in performance, which on the one hand gives hope, but on the other hand comes quite late.

It was certainly not a bad performance that Schalke pulled off on Saturday evening. The performance against Werder Bremen, although not rewarded with points, was not comparable to those of the last few weeks.

Royal Blue showed commitment, courage and no doubt willing to take at least one point back to Gelsenkirchen. At least a draw would have been deserved. Thomas Reis' conclusion was corresponding (votes via WAZ): "It's very bitter for my team and me. I don't think the better team won, but the slightly happier one."

In fact, Schalke managed to play well with the team that was promoted, who were in much better shape overall. The game plan that Reis had drawn up and garnished with a good portion of passion worked very well, especially in the first half hour. However, the opening goal deserved at the time was withdrawn due to an offside position.

The fact that Bremen was still able to win 2-1 was mainly due to the admirable efficiency of the hosts. While the miners missed a number of scoring chances, but at the same time didn't manage to create several big chances, Werder coldly took advantage of two of the three shots on goal.

"We wanted to show a good face and the team did very well right from the start," said Reis, praising his team. The coach continues: "We had very good access and even a few good opportunities. Due to carelessness in midfield, we let the opponent run away in the back, then allow a shift and don't defend to the end, Bremen takes the lead. "

As tedious and difficult as it is after seven defeats in a row as the bottom of the table: Schalke have to pull themselves up with this increase in performance.

This was also emphasized by Alex Kral, the most striking and probably the best Schalke player in the game. He saw perhaps his team's "best performance of the season". And yet, or precisely because of this, it is "difficult to explain" why one could not reward oneself.

"The coach's plan was very good," he added after the game. "We built up calmly and banked on deep runs because we knew that it would pose problems for the Bremen defense. [...] It was definitely progress." The midfielder also attributed this progress to Reis himself. "It's little things, but they work," he emphasized in view of the short time that the coach has only been in office.

The problem: "When you're in such a difficult situation, nobody gives you anything." Therefore, Kral focused on the home game on Wednesday when it comes to Mainz 05. "We're playing at home and we can put all our energy into these last two games. Our fans deserve that we give more than 100 percent," said the 24-year-old.

This article was originally posted on 90min.com/de as Schalke? Kral sees "definitely some progress" published.