Schalke: Anger and hope from coach Geraerts – criticism from Hechelmann

Botched debut reveals problems

FC Schalke 04 has continued its negative trend under new coach Karel Geraerts. After the quiet 3-0 defeat at Karlsruher SC, the problems at the Royal Blues appear to be even more serious than previously thought. And Thomas Reis’ successor only needed half a game to let off steam and wake up his team.

“I don’t scream a lot, but today at halftime I did,” said the 41-year-old Belgian, quoted via “WAZ“, following its unsuccessful premiere. The Schalke fans stopped supporting early on. “I can understand that 100 percent,” explained Geraerts, who tried to ignite new energy with a few changes.

“If you don’t show passion like our opponent did today, if you don’t win duels, then it doesn’t matter what system you play with. Karlsruhe ran, we went for a walk,” criticized the trainer, who worked at Royale Union Saint Gilloise until the summer and received a contract until June 30, 2025. What he meant was the insufficient mileage, which was six kilometers less than at the KSC. “The numbers don’t lie. But I don’t need them. I saw that on the pitch.”

But Geraerts also tried to look ahead: “The good news is that we will have another chance next week. We all have the responsibility to solve the problems together: professionals, coaching team, staff. If we don’t do it together, you’ll go down alone.”

Schalke’s decline continues in the 2nd league: Hardly better than last year under Kramer

Sports director André Hechelmann described the S04 performance as “absolutely unacceptable”. The manager complained: “If you don’t bring the ABCs of football to the pitch, you’ll have problems against every opponent.” The club now “urgently” needs points “so that we can breathe again.” A look at the second division table gives those responsible great cause for concern. After ten match days, the relegated team’s gap to safety in the lower house is already five points – with a squad value that, despite devaluations in the latest update, is one of the three highest in the league at 33.2 million euros. Direct promotion is still a long way off after less than a third of the season; instead, the horror scenario of the 3rd league threatens.

For comparison: In 2021/22, after the last trip to the 2nd league, the “Knappen” needed some time to get started, but after 10 match days they had 19 points and third place. Last year, after the return to the Bundesliga, the club under Frank Kramer only had one point less one floor higher than at the moment.

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