Last week, FC Schalke 04 announced that sports director Peter Knäbel would be leaving the club after the season. The official had previously been chosen by many fans and experts as being primarily responsible for the sporting decline. Now the 57-year-old has commented in detail about his departure from the struggling second division club.
After their second relegation in two years, FC Schalke 04 is finding it extremely difficult to get back on track. Starting as one of the top favorites for promotion, the cult club from the Ruhr region surprisingly finds itself in the bottom of the table after 13 games.
Many experts blame the sporting leadership around Peter Knäbel for the fact that the Knappen are currently in 16th place in the relegation zone. Some fans seemed all the more relieved when S04 made public its separation from its board in the summer on Wednesday.
Knäbel is also said to have often served as a bogeyman internally. The outgoing manager indirectly confirmed corresponding reports in an interview with “Welt”.
“There were certainly more pleasant situations. The lion always kills the weakest wildebeest. So I knew what was coming to me. If I was something like a lightning rod, then that may have had certain advantages for other people,” explained the Witten native . Statements that look deep.
Knäbel added defiantly: “As a manager, you have to endure it.” In addition, “as of today, he can hand over the baton with a clear conscience.”
Knäbel: “Time for talking” is over at FC Schalke 04
By the end of the season, Knäbel wants to help Schalke get back into other table regions. After the international break, the Royal Blues continue with an away game at Fortuna Düsseldorf (Saturday, 8:30 p.m.).
“I think what will be crucial is that, even if it sounds trite, we stabilize and improve. We have to get that into the heads of the players and all Schalke players. The time for talking has to be over,” he demanded.