Ibrahima Cissé was such a surprise summer transfer from S04 sporting director Rouven Schröder. The center back still hasn’t played for the pros. Coach Frank Kramer has now given an insight into the situation of the 21-year-old footballer.
Schalke surprised by signing Ibrahim Cissé in the summer. The 21-year-old midfielder joined KAA Gent U23 on a free transfer. The 1.96-meter-tall defender played only three professional games at that time.
Almost every S04 fan has asked themselves: who is this tall defender who almost inevitably bears a slight resemblance to Salif Sané?
For now, only S04 fans who regularly watch training sessions or the U23s in the Western Region League can answer this question. As Cissé has only been used in the second team since his arrival at Knappen, he has never been in a competitive squad.
In the regional league, the midfielder has already scored two goals in six games. He trains regularly with professionals during the week. But what is the future plan for Cissé and what does coach Frank Kramer say?
He is – at least publicly – convinced of Cissé’s qualities. However, it also warns that the youngster still has some steps to take before he can become a real option in the pros. “He’s made a really good step up in the U23 league so far. It took him a little bit there as well, but you’ve seen a clear improvement in the last few games. We’ll continue down that path with him,” said the S04 coach. to WAZ.
But Kramer also noted, “There are things he still needs to improve on. He delivers great systems, he has great hardware, he handles some situations really well, but at this level, he also needs consistency and continuity in his actions.”
His lack of consistency leaves him fifth in the interior center back pecking order behind Maya Yoshida, Sepp van den Berg, Leo Greiml and the injured Marcin Kaminski. Therefore, he currently has no prospects of playing time in the Bundesliga. According to Kramer, Cissé should continue to get regular game practice in the regional league. If he works there consistently, the 21-year-old footballer may sooner or later become a candidate for the Bundesliga.
His contract with Schalke runs until 2026. From the beginning, Project Cissé was built for the long term. So at this point, it’s too early to say whether or not he hit the quarterback. Better to say Frank Kramer: Cissé seems to have decent hardware, but the software still needs an update or two.
