After a year in the lower house, FC Schalke 04 is back in the Bundesliga – and full of euphoria. But how well are the miners actually armed? sport.de presents five (daring) theses!
The Schalke fans’ wait is over on Sunday: The Royal Blues return to the big Bundesliga stage with the prestigious western hit at 1. FC Köln (from 5:30 p.m. in the LIVE ticker).
In order to be prepared for the weekly showdown with FC Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, SC Freiburg and Co., those responsible for the Ruhrpott giants did a great job in the summer and signed twelve new players as well as a new coach.
It remains to be clarified what is actually in it for S04. Fight for survival to the end or a carefree year after all? sport.de does the theses check:
Thesis one on FC Schalke 04: The squad has been strengthened at the top and bottom
Yes, definitely. Compared to the second division year, it can be seen that the Knappen have once again grabbed a shelf higher when it comes to transfers.
Alexander Schwolow is an established Bundesliga goalkeeper with vast experience, Maya Yoshida is an internationally renowned defensive stabilizer. Countless other clubs were after the new sixes Alex Kral and Tom Krauß.
The fact that only just under eight million euros have been spent on twelve newcomers and three permanent loan players speaks for the outstanding work of sports director Rouven Schröder, who is making the best of the forced austerity course.
With the current line-up, S04 can keep up in the basement – and at least one, if not two more new ones should even come by Deadline Day.
Thesis two on FC Schalke 04: Coach Frank Kramer will not survive the season
Many observers were amazed when Frank Kramer, who had just been released from Arminia Bielefeld, was presented as a new hope on the sidelines.
After an inconsistent preparation and a solid first competitive game in the DFB Cup at Bremer SV (5:0), there is curiosity about the start of the Bundesliga, but also skepticism in the Schalke environment. Kramer didn’t last very long at his previous stations.
Nevertheless, the coach exemplifies optimism. “I’m satisfied with the preparation and separate that from the results,” said the 50-year-old a few days ago. It’s about gradually developing something.
Problem: At Schalke, patience with coaches is traditionally not the greatest. And as a promoter, the royal blues will most likely have to survive dreary phases, possibly even for several weeks.
Would Kramer still be trusted after the first third of the season in a relegation zone? The feeling says: probably not.
Thesis three on FC Schalke 04: Points are scored in the district derby with BVB
Everyone who sticks with FC Schalke has really missed the ever young derbies with unloved neighbors Borussia Dortmund. In the years before relegation, however, the duels with BVB were rarely fun.
As a promoter, S04 will be even more of an underdog than it already is when it comes to the black and yellow Champions League permanent guest. And yet there is always something countable in the fiery clashes with Borussia.
Especially since things have often gotten restless in Dortmund in the recent past when the ambitious goals seemed in danger. Points can therefore be taken from BVB, especially in the cauldron at home.
Thesis four on FC Schalke 04: Simon Terodde scores fewer than ten goals
Does it work the umpteenth attempt? In 2021/2022 Simon Terodde once again impressively demonstrated why he is not only statistically the best second division scorer of all time, but also a guarantee of promotion. His 30 hits were crucial for direct resurgence.
And yet the question hovers over the veteran as to whether the 1st league isn’t one size or the other too big for him. Neither in Stuttgart nor in Cologne did Terodde manage to confirm his incredible quota from the lower house at a higher level.
Best Schalke player in the year of promotion: Simon Terodde
Plus: In the promotion year, the 34-year-old was always the target player in an attacking team, who was able to use his strengths ideally in the penalty area. In the Bundesliga, however, other qualities could be important. Aggressive (counter)pressing, intensive running work, grippy counterplay – none of which are really Terodde’s special areas.
Accordingly, the attacker will have to fight hard for his place in the starting XI. And every single goal. Will he break the ten hit mark? It could be close.
Thesis five on FC Schalke 04: The Knappen remain in the league
The Gelsenkircheners have to leave three teams behind in order to keep the class without having to go through the relegation process. There is no other goal than staying in the league this time.
Although newcomer Yoshia said with a view to the glamorous European Cup years that FC Schalke “want to get back to where we were before”, he emphasized with realism that “everything must first be done” to “hold the league “.
A look at the competition reveals: With clubs like FC Augsburg, VfL Bochum or co-promoted Werder Bremen, S04 is on par in terms of squad quality, Hertha BSC and VfB Stuttgart are also in sight again.
If we succeed in not letting chaos break out even in weaker phases of the season and in keeping the fans happy, a final placement between 13th and 15th place is absolutely realistic. Because the other basement children (with the exception of Werder) don’t have the tailwind of promotion.
Heiko Lütkehus