New coach, old problems: Karel Geraerts’ term at FC Schalke 04 began on Sunday with a 3-0 defeat at Karlsruher SC. The Belgian was already loud at halftime.
“I’m not actually the kind of coach who shouts at the team during the break, but I did today. I told the team that you can’t win if you don’t run. Numbers don’t lie, I saw that live in the first half “I saw the place,” complained the 41-year-old at the press conference after the game.
In fact, his charges had put on a bloodless performance just before half-time. Lars Stindl made it 1-0 for KSC in the 22nd minute. Shortly after Schalke missed a big chance, the home team struck again and made it 2-0 in the 37th minute through Igor Matanovic.
In the meantime, the Knappen’s active fan scene stopped supporting them. The Schalke players ultimately ran almost six kilometers less than their opponents.
FC Schalke 04 on the brink
Geraerts’ outburst after the break initially had an impact. In the second half, the Royal Blues initially seemed more grippy and determined. But there was no return.
Instead, an own goal from Henning Matriciani ultimately ensured the final knockout (75th).
Meanwhile, the new coach expressed understanding for the fans’ sharp reaction and held the players responsible. “The team has to show more intensity next week. We’ll start again on Monday. Next week we have to show the complete opposite,” said Geraerts.
However, the newcomer to Gelsenkirchen deliberately avoided a detailed rubdown after the game.
“The players don’t do it on purpose. Someone has to tell them what’s good or bad. I won’t shoot against the team, that’s not my style. It’s only possible down there together,” Geraerts explained.
The next chance for a break will come next Saturday in the home game against Hannover 96. Until then, the Bundesliga relegated team is stuck in 16th place in the table with just seven points from ten games.