Matthias Tillmann should lead FC Schalke 04 back to calm waters. The new CEO has to answer many open questions in Gelsenkirchen, including those about Clemens Tönnies. The S04 boss is pragmatic in this regard.
FC Schalke 04 recently had a meeting with important sponsors. Clemens Tönnies was present. The 67-year-old represented the Böklunder company.
“I thought the exchange was good. For me it was interesting to understand the other side, how important sponsors look at Schalke. It was an introductory meeting that we will certainly repeat,” said S04 board chairman Tillmann, commenting on the meeting with the sponsors in an interview with the “WAZ”.
In this context, the 40-year-old was informed by the regional newspaper that Tönnies had money and asked what the problem was.
“The question is deliberately shortened and simplified. There are also other people who have a lot of money and are Schalke players. In the end, the fundamental question is whether we want to work together as partners. If we agree on that, we’ll do it,” responded Tillmann on this.
FC Schalke 04: Clemens Tönnies will be asked again soon?
Tönnies was chairman of the supervisory board at FC Schalke 04 until the summer of 2020. Axel Hefer now holds this position.
“I met Clemens Tönnies for the first time at the sponsors’ meeting. Whatever might be going on between Axel Hefer and Clemens Tönnies is a matter between the two of them. It’s not about individuals, it’s about Schalke 04,” said Tillmann regarding the rumored conflict clear.
FC Schalke 04: Matthias Tillmann starts open-ended
The Royal Blues are currently in 14th place in the 2nd Bundesliga. The direct return to the German football upper house was already a long way off before the start of the second half of the season.
“If we play in the second division for a maximum of two more years, there will be no problems,” said Tillmann about the Revierklub’s financial planning: “If we play in the second division in the long term, we will be forced to do something.”
The sale of previously untouched marketing and catering rights would then be an option. “I’m coming in from the outside, I’m neutral about everything and I say: Let’s put all options on the table,” said FC Schalke 04’s new strong man.