At the presentation of the new sports director André Hechelmann at FC Schalke 04, the further commitment of Simon Terodde was announced at the same time. The direct resurgence is the goal of the Royal Blues.
The one who should have interested the Schalke supporters the most on this Friday morning (May 2nd, 2023) was not there. Because the “Club 1904” room was actually about the introduction of the new FC sports director Schalke 04. André Hechelmann, who is little known to the public, will hold the position from now on.
At first glance, however, it was the personnel that Hechelmann was able to announce in his first official press conference and as the first official act that had much greater news value. Striker Simon Terodde will now stay with Schalke. Actually, the 35-year-old had already said goodbye to the club, his contract had expired this summer. “After intensive talks we were able to win him over,” said Hechelmann.
Professional perspective for Terodde
The record scorer in the second division (172 goals) is to remain with S04 for three years, although a decision can be made after each year as to whether Terodde will switch to the club’s administrative area and begin a new career with Schalke.
Terodde reportedly accepted a lower salary for this (professional) perspective. In the second division, the attacker in Gelsenkirchen is said to have received around one million euros in the past. “The commitment shows that we are ambitious in the new season. We want to get promoted, but not at any price,” said sporting director Peter Knäbel.
And it is above all in this question that the new sports director Hechelmann comes into play. The 38-year-old has a budget of around 19 million euros to form a team with coach Thomas Reis that can aim for direct promotion. This puts Schalke in the top third of the second division financially.
Two years as chief scout at S04
André HEchelmann is the new sporting director of FC Schalke 04.
Top performers like Tom Krauss, Alex Kral and Moritz Jenz will leave the club. The whereabouts of Marius Bülter, Schalke’s best player last season, is highly questionable, as is that of midfielder Rodrigo Salazar. Once again a major upheaval is imminent at Berger Feld.
Hechelmann has successfully completed the candidate process at S04. “We need players who have the right mentality, who play courageously, just like Thomas Reis likes it,” said the new sporting director. Hechelmann had already worked as chief scout for the Royal Blues for two years. He had previously held the position at Mainz 05 and was employed there for a total of ten years at Rheinhessen, also in other positions.
Business economist and sports manager
Hechelmann only had his own football career at amateur level, playing for clubs like Kleinrinderfeld, Würzburger FV or in his hometown of Karlsberg. “I concentrated on my studies because at some point you realize that it’s not enough to become a professional,” said Hechelmann, who is a business economist and sports manager.
The new Schalke sporting director doesn’t want to sit on the coach’s bench, but rather follow the games from the stands. There he has the best overview.
