Schalker's anticipated assault on Hertha's freedom is deemed unfeasible
Schalke 04 stays undefeated in two successive matches but falls short in advancing within the 2. Bundesliga. On the brighter note, the forthcoming coach is already present in the stands, scrutinizing the game and pinpointing spots for improvement, whichregrettably, are numerous in Gelsenkirchen.
The temporary manager collected eight points from four clashes, while his eventual successor was already stationed in the stadium: Schalke 04 has taken a athletic stride beyond the predicament and also uncovered its future head coach. Dutchman Kees van Wonderen watched the 2:2 (2:1) stalemate in the 2nd Bundesliga encounter against Hertha BSC from the VIP section of the Royal Blues.
The former defender for Feyenoord Rotterdam, who has served as the Dutch youth coach and assistant coach to national coach Ronald Koeman, and most recently at SC Heerenveen, is set to replace sacked Karel Geraerts at Schalke in the coming times. Interim coach Jakob Fimpel will go back to the U23 squad as per agreement after two weeks.
Kenan Karaman (24') and Tobias Mohr (33') found the back of the net for the Gelsenkirchen squad, squandering their first home victory in 63 days in the final moments. Michael Cuisance (9') and substitute Smail Prevljak (72', penalty) scored for the Berlin side.
In his initial appearance as a professional head coach, Fimpel introduced a modification from the favorable 2:1 triumph against Preußen Münster: With Mehmet Aydin out due to illness, the recurring trend - altering the defensive setup in every game this season - persisted. And it instantaneously displayed its traditional faults: Cuisance was not challenged aggressively for the opening goal.
Offensively, Schalke showed promise: Following several potentially dangerous attacks, Karaman netted the ball behind the goal with a double pass from Amin Younes for a deserved equalizer. The Royal Blues maintained the upper hand and turned the tides with Mohr's goal before the interval. However, they couldn't hold on to the victory as the visitors equalized in the second half.
Despite Schalke 04's impressive unbeaten run in soccer, they failed to secure promotion in the 2. Bundesliga. In anticipation of the new coach, Dutchman Kees van Wonderen, who formerly played for Feyenoord Rotterdam and is set to replace the sacked Karel Geraerts, observed the team's game closely.
