Schalke 04 envisions participating in the World Cup and strives to prevent relegation
In the heart of Gelsenkirchen, a lingering expectation resonates. When will the savior arrive to guide Schalke 04 once more to triumphs? Karel Geraerts, having set hopes high, has yielded to the challenge, prompting a renewed quest for a suitable replacement. Whispers of Raul, the legend from Schalke's glorious past, return, echoing through the corridors of the business office.
However, the glory days of Raul in the Champions League are yet to materialize. Instead, only the 2. Bundesliga and Jakob Fimpel present themselves. With an interim coach who has endured five consecutive defeats, Schalke engages in an uphill battle against relegation, as they face Preußen Münster in their upcoming league game on Saturday night, alongside the anticipated encounter against Hertha BSC.
Amid the perpetual coach crisis, Schalke's priority is points above all else. The Royal Blues would greatly benefit from three points against the victorious Preußen, now sitting securely in the top spot of the 2. Bundesliga. But with a 3:5 loss on Darmstadt, despite initial dominance with a 3:0 lead, Schalke succumbed once again, slipping down to the 16th position.
In Madrid, Schalke's pursuit persists
The powers-that-be at Schalke, including Director of Professional Football Ben Manga, appear to be patiently waiting until the international break in mid-October to determine Geraerts' relic. Sources suggest that their sights have again been set on foreign talent, as was the case during Raul's recruitment a year ago.
Speculation rages on, including the mention of Raul. The Spanish striker, who enchanted Schalke supporters with his goals and aura in 2010-2012, currently coaches Real Madrid's reserve team, RM Castilla. Despite Ben Manga and CEO Matthias Tillmann's recent trip to Madrid, there is no indication that they were searching for Raul.
Manga, albeit having a relatively short stint since May 2024, is now the only figurehead with decisive power, following Geraerts' dismissal and Marc Wilmots' departure. The scrutiny on his actions will increase in the coming week, given his recent communication lapses during a press roundtable discussing the trainer situation, only to subsequently retract his statements due to unspecified background circumstances.
Fimpel guards the fort
Until a permanent solution is found, Raul or otherwise, Jakob Fimpel's temporary reign continues. After undergoing five-game losing streak in the Regionalliga West, Fimpel led the U23 to seven points in their initial three fixtures. Yet, the reigning U-23 coach, without the necessary coaching license, will return to his post once his interim tenure concludes.
Despite the streak, Fimpel has began his interim tenure by taking U-23 captain Tim Albutat to the first team, along with the promotions of Steve Noode, Mauro Zalazar, Peter Remmert, and Aris Bayindir to the youth team. Fimpel's rotations may also exclude Dominick Drexler, whose rift with Geraerts remained unresolved, and has since been barred from team practice.
In the pursuit of strengthening Schalke'04's position in the 2. Bundesliga, the club is closely monitoring the second football league's standings. With Preußen Münster leading the league, a win against them would significantly boost Schalke's ranking.
Meanwhile, Raul, the legendary figure from Schalke's past, continues his coaching role at Real Madrid's reserve team, RM Castilla, sparking ongoing discussions among fans and club officials about his potential return to the Royal Blues.
