Does Marc Wilmots have what it takes to lead FC Schalke 04 back to success in his new position as sporting director? The Belgian says yes and defends himself against accusations.
On Thursday, FC Schalke 04 confirmed the return of Marc Wilmots, the Belgian will immediately join the second division club as sports director. The previous incumbent, André Hechelmann, had to vacate his post and is now technical director. But does Wilmots, who has “only” been active as a coach in recent years, actually have enough experience as a sports director? The 54-year-old has now clearly responded to allegations made by some critics.
“That’s not true,” said Wilmots on “Sky” and added by way of explanation: “Because I’m with the [belgischen] National team did office work and three years of scouting. And then I assembled my team to create success. Technology, medicine, flights – I managed all these departments. I was in the role of sports director and coach. This is a double function.
The new strong man, who recently traveled to the S04 training camp in Faro/Portugal, also added: “In the few national team games you have to coordinate everything and create a technical ‘staff’ that is really top. If you can do that, you have good results and good games.”
Wilmots relies on the experience of his Schalke colleagues
Besides, he is not alone at Schalke. “As a sports director, of course, in the end I make the decision whether a player comes or not. But you can’t do anything alone. I told André: ‘We don’t talk over the phone. Come to my house.’ We talked for four hours about transfers and the team. And I think it’s better if we work together. Karel Geraerts, André and I,” said Wilmots about working with Hechelmann and the coach.
The Belgian wants to spread the workload across several shoulders, which has many advantages: “You’re smarter with three heads than with one. In the end, I have to make the decision. That’s not a problem.”
Hechelmann helps him primarily as a scout. He “works a lot – also in the scouting department. He knows the third division and the second division. I don’t know them that well. That’s why it’s better if he’s always with me.”
Meanwhile, Wilmots remained tight-lipped about possible winter new arrivals. “At the moment it’s still too early to say anything. We have to see what financial possibilities we have. That’s point one, when there’s little money,” said the former Schalke professional.
There will be a discussion on the topic on Saturday “and then we’ll see what happens next. What can we do? There are already various ideas, but I won’t reveal them to the media.”