Axel Hefer has been chairman of the supervisory board at FC Schalke 04 for over two years now. The Dortmund native leads the supervisory body relatively quietly, especially in comparison to his dazzling predecessor Clemens Tönnies, who worked at Schalke for over 20 years. Recently, the name Tönnies kept appearing around the club grounds.
Is the company owner returning to FC Schalke 04, from which he retired as supervisory board boss in 2020? Tönnies himself refuted the speculation surrounding him almost two weeks ago, but the rumors still flare up again and again.
His successor Hefer now spoke to the “kicker” about the personnel that is extremely polarizing at the second division club.
“If Clemens Tönnies is interested in supporting us on our journey, he can contact me at any time,” the 46-year-old told the trade magazine.
However, the 67-year-old “has not yet signaled any offer of support” to Hefer, as he himself stated.
Hefer: “The club has sometimes lived beyond its means”
In the interview, Hefer acknowledged the sporting successes that FC Schalke 04 undoubtedly celebrated in the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup and the Champions League in the 2000s and 2010s under the leadership of the then very powerful and present supervisory board boss Tönnies .
However, he also recalled the financial circumstances under which these glorious years were built. The immense debts that were incurred during these years “will be with us for several years to come,” said Hefer.
“I understand that you long for the successful times in sport, but you must not forget that the club lived beyond its means in some cases. Our approach is different,” the entrepreneur clarified.