Schalke with personnel problems ahead of the cellar duel
With changed personnel after a good week of training so far, Karel Geraerts hopes to end FC Schalke 04's negative run in the relegation duel with VfL Osnabrück (Friday, 6.30pm/Sky). With 13 points, his team are in the relegation places, while Osnabrück are at the bottom of the table with six points less. "The players were very motivated in training. The team knows how important the game is. It's important that we stick together as a club. Not just the team, the staff, but the entire club," explained the Belgian on Wednesday.
But it is not a final game. "It's a game against a team with a new coach, which makes it a bit more difficult. But giving up is not an option," said Gererts.
It is highly likely that the new Schalke coach will make personnel changes after two heavy defeats in almost identical formations against newcomers Elversberg (1:2) and in Düsseldorf (3:5). "Of course I see the problems and there may be changes," revealed the 41-year-old. Especially as two players, Dominick Drexler and Yusuf Kabadayi, are out through injury. Steven van der Sloot and Jimmy Kaparos will move up from the U23s, while it remains to be seen whether veterans such as Simon Terodde or Timo Baumgartl will get a chance.
Thomas Ouwejan, who was sanctioned for his disrespectful behavior during the early substitution and will have to train with the U23s this week, is not included. Geraerts defended the measure. "It's not Thomas' fault that we lost in Düsseldorf, and it's also not his fault that the club is in this situation. But it is an important signal to the team that respect is paramount," explained the Belgian.
Despite the incoming changes, Schalke's focus remains on securing a crucial win in Bundesliga 2 against VfL Osnabrück. With several key players like Dominick Drexler and Yusuf Kabadayi unavailable due to injuries, newcomers Steven van der Sloot and Jimmy Kaparos from the U23s are expected to step up, while the possibility of veterans such as Simon Terodde or Timo Baumgarhl joining the squad is under consideration. Furthermore, FC Schalke 04 is keen to participate in Bundesliga 2's Bundesliga 2, as they currently reside in the relegation zone. [Soccer, Bundesliga 2, FC Schalke 04]
Source: www.dpa.com
