Ron Schallenberg is supposed to help FC Schalke 04 to get promoted directly back into the Bundesliga. The newcomer is eager for the challenge, as the Royal Blues have always been his heart’s club.
“Schalke is something special for me,” Schallenberg is quoted as saying by the “WAZ”. According to media reports, the central midfielder was also courted by the two Bundesliga clubs Werder Bremen and FC Augsburg. But in the end, the 24-year-old moved from SC Paderborn to Gelsenkirchen.
The move to FC Schalke 04 is a “great opportunity”. “I liked the overall Schalke package best,” said Schallenberg, explaining his decision in favor of the miners.
Head coach Thomas Reis did not want to rule out that a new signing could become FC Schalke 04 captain.
“It’s the first time I’ve heard that, I can’t imagine that happening,” said Schallenberg, according to “WAZ”: “Basically, whether it’s a bandage or not, I’ve always taken responsibility. I’ll do the same at Schalke.” Danny Latza was the Schalke captain last season.
Schallenberg “the right man” for FC Schalke 04
Either way, Schallenberg under Reis will play a major role in the future. The S04 newcomer had already held the captaincy at SC Paderborn.
“Ron is a strategist who will give us stability in the center with and without the ball. With his footballing quality and mentality, he is exactly the right man for this task,” said S04 sporting director André Hechelmann when the transfer was announced.
FC Schalke 04 has meanwhile started training for the coming season in the 2nd Bundesliga. From July 8th to 16th the team from Gelsenkirchen will go to the training camp in Mittersill. In all likelihood, the captain’s decision will only be made afterwards.