Wanderers went into the international break on the back of a 1-0 win over Cardiff City and a 4-3 victory at Norwich City, the first time the club has won back-to-back Championship games since 2018.
"The international break was put in there before the season started, so we had to get on with it and use it to our benefit as best we could," said Schumacher. "But it was nice to finish in good form. Back-to-back wins in this division are difficult, so for us to pick them up was really important.
"It gave us something to think about going into the international break and we've used that to the best of our ability. So we can't wait to get going again. I'm sure all our fans are looking forward to it and I know all the staff and all the players can't wait to get going again on Saturday."
Impact from the bench
Substitute Atsuki Ito struck the winner at Carrow Road and Schumacher wants every member of his squad to make that kind of difference.
"It's important that all of the lads who don't start the games come onto the pitch with the mentality that they're going to affect the game," he said. "The fitter the whole squad becomes, the more robust we become, and the better chance we have of that positive impact off the bench.
"Ito's goal was a fantastic goal, but it hasn't been the only positive outcome we've had off the bench this season. It was a huge part of our game last year. I always stress to the players how important having a whole squad is, and everybody buying in to achieve what we want to achieve together."
New arrivals settling in
The head coach is pleased with how the club's overseas signings are adapting to life in England.
"They're all trying," he said. "Kyliane Dong and Atsuki Ito in particular are going for English lessons and Gaizka Larrazabal's English is actually really good. He's got a really good understanding of it.
"I think there are good signs that they're getting stronger. All the overseas players seem to be good lads and the lads seem to like them in the group. Having that togetherness in the squad is so important, because it's going to be a hard season and when you go through difficult periods you need to make sure you've got your mates' backs."
Thierry Gale in great form
Thierry Gale scored in both games before the break, then carried that form into international duty with Barbados.
"We were having these same conversations with Thierry last year: time to settle in, time to adjust to the speed and the culture of this country," said Schumacher. "He showed glimpses last year of the ability he's got and we had a good conversation before this campaign kicked off about his attributes. Top Championship and even Premier League teams look for those attributes.
"The key to his game is repeating that performance consistently and buying into the out-of-possession work, which he's done. We're having the same conversations now with Jayden Nelson and one or two others and we're seeing the benefits of that work over the last 12 months. Thierry's in great form. He scored two goals for us in the last two games, then went away with Barbados and lit it up for them. Fair play to him. I hope he can continue it."
The international contingent all returned fit, with Gale playing all four games for Barbados.
"The lads who went away all came back with no problems," said Schumacher. "They're all fit and ready to go and they'll all be available for the weekend, thankfully."
Positive approach
Saturday sees Schumacher face the club he managed previously, but his focus is firmly on Bolton Wanderers.
"Obviously there's history there because I've worked there previously, but that's in the past," he said. "What's important now is trying to get three points on the board for Bolton Wanderers at the weekend.
"We know we're coming up against a team who are in really good form. They've picked up some really good results in their last five games since they changed shape and they're a really strong outfit, so we know it's going to be a difficult test. But like every game we've played so far, we have to go into it with the mindset that we want to be positive and get on the front foot."
The fans' part
With more than 25,000 tickets sold, the Head Coach is looking forward to another big occasion.
"Hopefully it's another good atmosphere," he said. "In the home games we've had this season, the crowd have really helped us. Certainly on the opening day against Preston, it was electric. It'll be a good day, but it's only going to be a good day if we can pick up the result that we need."
Get your tickets
More than 25,000 tickets have already been sold for Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City on Saturday 10 October (3pm kick-off). Get there early: the Boxoso Premier Suite indoor fanzone opens at noon with live music from local band Chimaeras, and the Dreams 2 Reality Fan Zone will be open outside the stadium.
Back the Whites as they go for a third straight Championship win. Buy your tickets now.