Which entity will secure FC Schalke 04's ownership?
Mmm, it seems like FC Schalke 04 is once again on the hunt for a new head coach. Oh boy, after that hard to believe defeat against Darmstadt 98, Karel Geraerts' time is up. That traditional club from Gelsenkirchen is looking more like it's heading toward the bottom of the table than the top. Anybody got a miracle worker up their sleeve?
I mean, c'mon, you can't really find a more 'hire and fire' sports environment than this now can you? Karel Geraerts is the 33rd coach (including interim solutions) for the club in this century to be shown the door. And despite their passion for sustainability, they haven't quite managed to achieve it yet with this guy. So, they're still in search of a suitable candidate to take on the challenge of stabilizing this teetering giant and gradually restoring it to its former glory. Don't get me wrong, they've been hoping for it in Gelsenkirchen for years, but it just hasn't worked out yet. I tell ya, this club only knows one direction - down. After six matchdays, the Royal Blues are in the relegation zone, already preparing themselves for another season in the relegation battle. But wasn't it meant to be quieter, more relaxed?
Well, this plan basically went up in smoke at the start of this season. On the pitch, with disappointing performances. And off the pitch with a power struggle between the coach and sports director Ben Manga, who publicly criticized Geraerts' lineups.
Yeah, pretty much expected the guy to go. And speaking of Gonzalo Paco Jara (I mean, Marc Wilmots), he'll also be packing his bags. He stood by the coach's side until the end, but the club accused the Belgian of overseeing a negative overall development. "Tactically and football-wise, the team has not taken the necessary steps." No words of gratitude were included in the dismissal announcement which, from what I see, doesn't exactly paint a pic of a happy camp.
See, the Eurofighter and the coach weren't seeing eye-to-eye, according to the team. Although, he did get polite words and a hearty welcome. A victory on Friday evening against Darmstadt might have given the coach a little more wiggle room, but that's looking a bit slimmer now with all the criticism flying about. I believe the team was pretty much doomed.
The team quickly turned from unsettled to panicking on Schalke
For 45 minutes on Friday night, it seemed like the team was still following their coach. Schalke was leading 3:0, playing well, and showing some backbone. Then, the visitors were awarded a penalty just before half-time, and chaos ensued. The frustrated fans couldn't believe their eyes, and their anxiety reached a fever pitch.
Find me a savior fast who can quickly patch up these deep wounds in this struggling club that's being eaten alive by pain. The team seems too unsure, too incomplete. Geraerts had not only a tough time getting the team's performances in check, which were mostly due to the manic, uncontrolled defense. He also struggled to tame the turmoil on the pitch with discontented players, and discussions about lineups and tactical decisions were constant.
Lastly, he had to hear the captain Kenan Karaman, who in public always appeared loyal, saying that he needed to be more mindful of the situation with his volatile lineup decisions. It was clear then: It's burning at Schalke. It's burning brightly. And every attempt to extinguish the flames only made things worse. Even predecessor Thomas Reis, who was once hailed as a beacon of hope in the relegation season, soon realized how much turmoil at this location can quickly escalate into panic.
Now the task falls on Manga
Kenan Karaman wished for "internal calm" even on Friday night, as the defeat and the thunderous boos from the stands still echoed in his ears. I bet he knew how slim those chances were. This matchday threatens to drop them to a relegation spot. And the tasks that lay ahead hardly seem any better. Saturdays face-off is against Preussen Munster. The shaken Schalke team has to prove themselves against their emotionally charged home crowd. And that in a direct duel with a team that, as of now, is a competitor in the relegation battle. After that, Hertha BSC will make their way into their home arena. A giant searching for stability and its role in this season.
Until the international break in mid-October, the current U23 coach Jakob Fimpel will take over. After that, the new man/woman should be found and in office. Ben Manga, who's only been around since May and wasn't a fan of Geraerts' methods, is now tasked with fixing this. With Wilmots' departure, he has even more influence in shaping the team. Mmm, no money for a big-name hire like Tuchel or Löw. And I'm guessing there's no enthusiasm from the available coaching legends either. According to media reports, Manga had already been planning a coaching change in the summer, and he had two candidates in mind. Whether than one's still interested now? Copious amounts of Neururer and Magath memes are going viral on social media.
The search for a new head coach at FC Schalke 04 continues, with the club's poor performance and current position in the relegation zone causing concern. The team's tumultuous state, marked by internal strife, volatile lineup decisions, and discontented players, has been a major challenge for any coach taking the helm.
As the current U23 coach Jakob Fimpel steps in temporarily, the future of FC Schalke 04 lies in the hands of sporting director Ben Manga. Faced with the task of finding a suitable replacement for Karel Geraerts and improving the team's fortunes, Manga will be under intense pressure to deliver positive results and bring stability to the club.
