Kevin Schade has plunged himself into a new country, club and culture.
But Brentford’s new forward is no stranger to change, having left his home in Potsdam at the age of 12 to pursue his dream of becoming a professional football player.
In an interview for Monday’s match programme, which is now available at shop.brentfordfc.com, Schade revealed that the Bees’ style of play under head coach Thomas Frank, as well as the club’s persistence in trying to signing him, were key factors behind his decision to move to England in January.
“Brentford wanted me,” Schade responded when asked about his switch from Freiburg.
“They really wanted me. It’s a good step. It’s a Premier League club who are doing really well at the moment.
“To go to somewhere like Liverpool is not good for me because I would not play.
“Fresh from an injury, I need time and games to be 100 per cent fit.
“I’m quick and Brentford’s system is to play quick at the top, with deep runners and crosses from the outside. That’s my game. And I can jump high as well. I think the style will fit my game.
“The coach, the staff, the team-mates - they are very friendly. It has given me a very good feeling and I have settled in fast.”
Kevin made his Brentford bow on 7 January, replacing Keane Lewis-Potter for the final 20 minutes of the Bees’ FA Cup third-round defeat to West Ham United.
Shortly after his introduction, Schade was brought down by Craig Dawson.
A quick burst of acceleration that committed the Hammers defender and earned him a yellow card, it was glimpse of what fans can expect to see from their new forward.
'Kevin Schade, Brentford's number nine' sung the west stand in appreciation.
“They gave me a very warm welcome,” Schade continued, “that felt very, very good.
“It was very exciting. In Germany you hear about the fans being great in England, and the stadiums being very compact, and it was just like that.
“Now I’m here, I want to play against the best players. I want to see how the best clubs in the world play.
“Everything is new again. Now my goal is to learn. Learn, learn, learn.”
Also included in your Brentford v Fulham match programme
Thomas Frank shares his thoughts ahead of the west London derby
Big Ben Burgess’ Big Match Preview
Peter Rutzler, Fulham reporter for The Athletic, discusses the Whites’ impressive form in the Premier League, Marco Silva’s preferred system and the players to look out for in Hot off the Press
Our next King of the Castle is Paul Bence, who was inducted to the Brentford Hall of Fame in March 2019. Bence was part of the side that won promotion to the Third Division in 1971/72 and was named Players’ Player of the Year the following season
The Nathan Caton Column
Goalkeeper Ben Winterbottom recently marked two years with Brentford B. The 21-year-old has been able to train regularly with the first team and has played his part in an impressive season for the B team as they’ve toured across Europe and picked up some eye-catching results. He spoke with Ben Strange about his time at the club and his hopes for the future
Vitaly Janelt’s header against Crystal Palace was the ninth time the Bees have scored in the final 15 minutes this season (75-90+). Only Manchester United (11) have netted more late goals. Relive the ecstasy of all nine goals in Viewfinder
Printed locally using sustainable materials, this 100-page issue is available online and around the Gtech Community Stadium for £4.
Available inside and outside the ground – as well as from the Bees Merchandise Kiosk and the Bees Superstore – our sellers will be accepting contactless payments only.
Sales locations
Bees Superstore and Bees Merchandise Kiosk (Lionel Road South)
Lionel Road South
Bridge (Bees Superstore end)
Outside Bees Superstore (outside magnet)
2x outside the box office (outside entrance B)
End of Lionel Road (Kew Bridge stadium end)
Away end entrance (outside entrance G)
Stadium
Merchandise kiosks (west, north, east stands and family section)
Programmes are available after the game from the Bees Merchandise Kiosk and the Bees Superstore (Lionel Road South).