Schalke 04 and coach Kees van Wonderen end the collaboration at the end of the season. The separation had recently indicated, now it is officially.
The club announced the decision on Wednesday (April 23, 2025). It is the result of a two -week process and a “essential component in the desired changes in the license area”, which the new sports director Frank Baumann actively promotes together with the acting board.
The Dutch had taken over Schalke in early October 2024, and his contract would have run until 2026. Co-coach Robert Molenaar was also informed that he will no longer be part of the coaching team in the new season.
Mulder: “Not an easy decision”
“Since the unofficial start of Frank Baumann two weeks ago, we have intensively talked about which profile a chief coach should bring at Schalke,” explained Youri Mulder (director professional football) of the club management: “We also dealt with the question of whether the current constellation meets these requirements in the long term. To end after the season. “
With a point cut of 1.3, van Wonderen was able to secure the relegation with the team, but it was not more than a mixed season for the crisis -beamed club.
Van Wonderen with conciliatory words
After the 2-2 against Hamburger SV, van Wonderen had critically commented on the club management and criticized a lack of backing. In the club announcement, Van Wonderen thanked for the collaboration: “I am very grateful that I was able to be a coach of such a big club and wish all employees and fans all the best for the future. My focus with the team is on the last four games, these are real cracks and exciting duels in which we want to prepare our fans as much joy as possible.”
Van Wonderen apologized for the criticism of the club and especially at the CEO Matthias Tillmann – but confirmed the core of his message: “An association like Schalke needs a clear line and must consistently follow it.
Successor? Still completely unclear
A successor to Van Wonderen has not yet been determined, and no discussions with any candidates have yet been held at the present time. “Frank leads the trial and his plan looked before the HSV game that he wanted to have another personal conversation with Kees before a decision is made,” Mulder said: “This took place on Tuesday and was perceived by everyone involved as very transparent, honest and constructive.”
Basically, a sustainable solution should be found – with continuity in staffing. “Especially in the position of the chief coach, it is very important to find a solution for FC Schalke 04 that works in the long term,” Mulder is quoted.
Our sources:
- Press release from Schalke 04 on April 23, 2025
