One of the positives from the Wolves’ recent 2-2 draw at Borussia Mönchengladbach was Xaver Schlager’s return to action. The 24-year-old Austrian was brought on in the second half, celebrating his comeback after almost six months out. Ahead of Saturday’s home match against Union Berlin (15:30 CET), the midfielder discusses the opponents, his rehab and his comeback.
Xaver Schlager, five and a half months after the serious knee injury you sustained against RB Leipzig on Matchday 3, you made your comeback in the 2-2 draw at Gladbach. How did it feel to finally get back on the pitch for 30 minutes?
Xaver Schlager: “It was just a nice feeling that I could finally get back on the pitch and help the team. It certainly wasn’t the easiest or quietest game, but I’m glad that I finally got to play again.”
Going back to your rehab, how lonely is it when you’re forced to do tiring exercises in the gym instead of being on the grass with your teammates every day?
Xaver: “(laughs) You’re never really alone in the gym, there’s always someone there. But it is different, that’s for sure. You’re isolated and not there when the team are training, so you don’t hear as much and you have different training times. You feel a bit like an individual athlete. You get used to it, though, and there have been periods when there have been a number of other injured players – three or four of us. We had fun among ourselves. And then there were other periods when I was the only injured one again, which is when it’s a bit more difficult. At the end of the day, it certainly wasn’t an easy time but it’s also one that you learn a lot from.”
How do you rate upcoming opponents Union Berlin?
Xaver: “Union are a side who you don’t necessarily enjoy playing against. By that I mean that they’re normally uncomfortable and difficult matches. You have to come out of your comfort zone. We’ll try to manage the match in a way that prevents them from showing their strengths. We need to counteract them and then make the most of our own strengths. What’s crucial in the end is who wins the challenges and can impose their game. That’s what we have to prepare for. I think it’ll be a close match.”
