What about Schalke newcomer Ibrahima Cissé? This is how Frank Kramer plans
Ibrahima Cisse
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Schalke newcomer Ibrahima Cissé has only played in the regional league so far. Coach Frank Kramer has now given tips on how to proceed with the 21-year-old central defender.
Ibrahima Cissé was such a surprise transfer from S04 sports director Rouven Schröder in the summer. The central defender still doesn’t play a role for the pros. Coach Frank Kramer has now given an insight into the situation of the 21-year-old.
In the summer, Schalke surprised by signing Ibrahima Cissé. The 21-year-old central defender joined KAA Gent U23 on a free transfer. The 1.96 meter tall defender had only played three professional games at the time.
Almost every S04 fan asked himself: Who is this towering defender who almost inevitably reminds a little of Salif Sané?
So far, only S04 supporters who regularly watch training or follow the U23s in the Regionalliga West can answer this question. Because since his arrival at the Knappen, Cissé has only been used in the second team, he has never been in the squad for competitive matches.
In the regional league, the central defender has already scored two goals in six appearances. During the week he trains regularly with the pros. But what is the further plan with Cissé and what does coach Frank Kramer say?
Kramer at Cissé cautiously optimistic
He is – at least publicly – convinced of Cissé’s qualities. But also warns that the youngster still has a few steps to take before he can become a real option for the pros. “He’s made a really good step so far in the U23s. It also took him a bit there, but you’ve seen a clear improvement in the last few games. We’ll continue on this path with him,” said the S04 coach to the WAZ.
But Kramer also noted: “There are things he still needs to improve on. He brings great systems, has great hardware, solves some situations really well, but at this level you also need consistency and continuity in your actions.”
Cissé continues to play in the regional league for the time being
The lack of consistency sees him fifth in the internal pecking order at centre-back – behind Maya Yoshida, Sepp van den Berg, Leo Greiml and the injured Marcin Kaminski. He therefore currently has no prospects of playing time in the Bundesliga. According to Kramer, Cissé should continue to collect regular match practice in the regional league. If he works on his consistency there, the 21-year-old could sooner or later become a candidate for the Bundesliga.
His contract with Schalke runs until 2026. Right from the start, “Project Cissé” was designed for the long term. So at this point it’s far too early to say that he was a hit or miss at defender. Better to put it like Frank Kramer: Cissé seems to have the right hardware, but the software still needs one or two updates.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as What about Schalke newcomer Ibrahima Cissé? This is how Frank Kramer plans released.