FC Schalke 04 is facing a deepening crisis in the 2nd Bundesliga, teetering on the edge of relegation as they prepare for a crucial match against Jahn Regensburg. Following Eintracht Braunschweig’s recent victory, Schalke now sits just above the bottom of the table. Despite a coaching change, results have not improved, and communication issues persist. The club’s CEO acknowledged past missteps in squad planning, while potential reinforcements and changes in leadership are being discussed amid growing unrest and criticism from fans and players alike.
FC Schalke 04 in a Deepening Crisis
FC Schalke 04 finds itself in a significant crisis, and the situation is only getting worse. As the 12th matchday of the 2nd Bundesliga approaches, the traditional club faces the prospect of slipping to the bottom of the table in a crucial relegation battle against Jahn Regensburg.
Eintracht Braunschweig Strikes a Blow
Eintracht Braunschweig has decisively opened the door to despair for Schalke 04. After a convincing victory over Hamburger SV, Braunschweig leapfrogged Schalke in the standings, leaving the club with only SSV Jahn Regensburg behind. To add to the drama, Jahn Regensburg is set to visit Gelsenkirchen on Sunday at 1:30 PM, marking a match fraught with tension. Interestingly, while Schalke is mired in crisis, Regensburg has seen a turnaround after the dismissal of coach Joe Enochs, winning two consecutive matches in both the league and the cup.
Schalke’s own coaching change has not yielded positive results so far. Kees van Wonderen, who took charge four games ago, is still searching for his first win. The recent draw against promoted Ulm provided the team with its first point, but it hardly represents a turning point. The lack of significant progress continues to draw criticism, with reports highlighting communication issues between the coach and players.
Amid these troubles, legendary coach Huub Stevens stepped in, emphasizing the need for Schalke to focus on playing football rather than overthinking tactics. He pointed out that while strategic planning is essential, the mentality and hard work are what have historically driven success at Schalke. As the club grapples with its struggles, the question of who can bring about a change remains unanswered.
Schalke’s CEO, Matthias Tillmann, recently acknowledged missteps in squad planning from last summer. He admitted that they may have been overly ambitious and relied too heavily on potential rather than immediate results. This criticism indirectly targets Ben Manga, the club’s influential squad planner, as the only notable acquisition appears to be striker Moussa Sylla. Past coach Karel Geraerts faced similar challenges, leading to a fallout with Manga over the treatment of young talents.
Looking ahead, major changes to the squad are unlikely until the winter break, but there may be a glimmer of hope. Reports suggest negotiations are underway with free agent Anthony Modeste, a high-profile player who once made headlines. The club is desperate for any assistance, especially considering its precarious sporting and financial situation. During the annual general meeting (AGM) on November 16, Tillmann plans to unveil a financial strategy for the club, which currently carries a debt of 162 million euros.
The AGM could become contentious, particularly if Schalke suffers another defeat against Regensburg and drops to last place. The unrest surrounding the club is palpable, with criticism coming from various quarters, including media, former players, and even discontent within the squad. Goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann recently expressed his frustration on social media, lamenting his inability to contribute to the team’s success but vowing to keep fighting.
In response to the ongoing turmoil, Schalke has taken steps to adjust its leadership. This week, former Eurofighter Youri Mulder was appointed as interim sports director, and discussions are underway to reinstate the sports director position early next year. Oliver Ruhnert, who previously led Schalke’s youth department and helped Union Berlin reach the Champions League, is rumored to be a candidate for the role.