What entity or individuals might salvage FC Schalke 04's current predicament?
FC Schalke 04 is once again searching for a new manager. After a shocking loss to Darmstadt 98, Karel Geraerts' time is over. The club from Gelsenkirchen is on a downward spiral in the standings. Is there a savior out there?
Basically, this question is appropriate. No club has such a frequent revolving door for coaches as FC Schalke 04. With Geraerts' dismissal, the club has now hired and fired its 33rd coach in the 21st century (including interim solutions). This makes him the tenth coach to leave the club since 2020! While sustainability is an important concern for the club, they have not been able to achieve it with their coaches.
Now, the search for a new manager begins. They need someone who is willing to take on the challenge of stabilizing this struggling giant and gradually restoring it to its former glory. After all, this is what the fans in Gelsenkirchen have been yearning for for years, but have always been disappointed. The club only knows one direction: down. After six matchdays, RC Schalke 04 is in the relegation zone. Another season fighting against relegation seems likely. It should have been calmer, more relaxed, and better, but that was not to be.
This season was basically sabotaged from the start. The team struggled on the pitch with poor performances, and off the pitch there was a power struggle between trainer and sports director Benjamin Manga. Manga publicly criticized Geraerts' lineups, and the Belgian rarely gave the director's discoveries a chance. These tensions resulted in the trainer's dismissal, as well as Manga's. The club accused the coach of a negative overall development and accused him of not making enough tactical progress.
Tensions between coach and sports director
It was also not a secret that the coach and sports director were not on the same page. At least the coach was given polite words and a farewell from the club. It seems unlikely that a different outcome would have occurred with a win against Darmstadt, given the heavy criticism. At that point, there was nothing left to mend.
The first half of the game looked promising for Schalke. They were leading 3-0 and playing well. But then they conceded a penalty just before half-time and everything fell apart. The fans were shocked and booed in protest.
It will take a lot of imagination to find a savior who can quickly heal the wounds of this struggling and suffering club. The team seems uncertain and incomplete. Geraerts struggled not only with weak performances by the team, but also with dissatisfied players and lineup and tactics disputes. There are many reasons for the separation. But maybe the problems are even deeper given the absurd hiring and firing policy in the 21st century?
In the end, he had to listen to his captain Kenan Karaman, who was always loyal in public, that he should show more empathy in his explosive lineup decisions. It was already clear then: It's burning on Schalke. It's burning fiercely. And every attempt to extinguish the fire only made the situation worse. Even Karaman's predecessor Thomas Reis, who was still celebrated as a beacon of hope in the relegation season, realized how much unrest and fear exists at this location.
Now it's Benjamin Manga's turn
Karaman still hoped for "internal peace" on Friday evening, when the defeat and the boos from the stands were still ringing in his ears. He probably knew that this wish would not come true. This matchday threatens to drop to a relegation spot. And the tasks that follow will not make things any easier. On Saturday, it's off to the duel with Preußen Münster. The insecure Schalke team will first have to prove themselves in front of its emotional audience. And that in direct competition with a, as it stands, rival in the relegation battle. Afterwards, Hertha BSC will come to the home arena. Also, a giant searching for stability and its role in this season.
Until the mid-October international pause, interim U23 boss Jakob Fimpel will lead the charge. Post-break, a fresh figure needs to be identified and installed. Team planner Ben Manga, who's been with the club since May and wasn't a fan of Geraerts' methods, has his work cut out for him now. With Wilmots' departure, Manga gains more influence in crafting the squad. A major fix akin to Thomas Tuchel or Joachim Löw (two light-hearted mentions) isn't financially feasible - nor does it seem there's interest from potential coaching legends. As per media suggestions, Manga had contemplated a coaching switch in the summer, with two prospects in mind. Is one of them still in contention? On social media, puns on Peter Neururer and Felix Magath are popular. So who's taking charge? Anyone home? HELLO? HELLO?
Despite the change in management, FC Schalke 04 continues to struggle in the second football league. Current sports director Benjamin Manga now has the responsibility to find a new coach who can help turn things around.
As FC Schalke 04 searches for a new manager, there's talk about bringing in either Peter Neururer or Felix Magath, two potential candidates mentioned in the media.
