Schalke 04 presents Frank Baumann as the new sports director

The Bundesliga as a goal

Frank Baumann presented as a new sports director at Schalke

FC Schalke 04 wants to go back to the Bundesliga. Now the second division club has also found a sports director that is supposed to take care of it: Frank Baumann.

FC Schalke 04 has found a new man for sporting management: Frank Baumann will take over the position of the sports director from June 1st. The club officially announced this on Tuesday. The former international is supposed to lead the royal blue back to the Bundesliga – a long -term plan with ambitious goals.

Baumann has a lot of experience: As a professional and official, the 49-year-old worked for around a quarter of a century for Werder Bremen. It was only last summer that his time ended with the North Germans. Now a big task is waiting for him in Gelsenkirchen. Schalke is currently only in eleventh of the second division table-the way back to the upper house is still far.

“I am convinced: With our fans, employees and the energy of this club, we can make a difference together – step by step, but with a clear goal: Schalke to make a permanent and successful first division again,” said Baumann, according to the club announcement.

Financially, however, the possibilities remain limited. The traditional club from the Ruhr area is still highly indebted. According to the club, the upcoming transfer summer will therefore play a central role.

Matthias Tillmann, CEO of Schalke, said: “The squad planning is already in full swing, Frank is of course fully involved in now.” In the medium term, one wanted to increase sporting stability, further develop the game idea and integrate young talents more.

Baumann is still supported by squad planner Ben Manga. Sports director Youri Mulder could also stay in office – Baumann will personally discuss this with him in the coming weeks, says Tillmann. “There have already been good conversations, I’m confident,” he said.

Baumann had convinced those responsible at Schalke through his specialist knowledge, experience and leadership. He also has a good sense of structures and can handle pressure and headwind, says Tillmann. The latter in particular was often asked at Schalke in recent years of sporting downturn.

Axel Hefer, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, was also convinced: “He managed to lead Werder Bremen to a new strength from a difficult situation – and sustainably,” he said. “After his successful player career, he dressed practically all positions in sports management and therefore knows exactly how to build a promising structure.”

Now he should succeed exactly on Schalke. Since the farewell to Peter Knäbel, the post of sports director has been vacant. With Baumann, the board of directors is complete again-in addition to Tillmann, Christina Rühl-Hamers (finance) is also part of it.