Christian Gross on Sead Kolašinac: “They appreciate and respect him.” | OneFootball

Speaking to Kicker after Schalke’s 4-0 win against Hoffenheim, head coach Christian Gross has hinted that Sead Kolašinac could keep his captaincy even when Omar Mascarell and Benjamin Stambouli return from injury.

“I wanted to set an example again with the captain’s armband,” said Gross. “Sead accepted it immediately and accepted it with pleasure. I’m convinced that Kolašinac has a high standing within the team and can also have a great influence on his teammates during the game.

“They appreciate and respect him, what he has done for Schalke so far and what he has done abroad. Something like that helps, like any player who comes to us with a lot of personality.”

19-year-old striker Matthew Hoppe scored a hat-trick, his first professional goals for Schalke, on Saturday before Amine Harit added a fourth 11 minutes from time, giving Schalke their first Bundesliga win in 31 attempts.

The Royal Blues have moved off the bottom of the Bundesliga.