FC Schalke 04 is still looking for a coach. For the time being, assistant coach Matthias Kreutzer should look after the Bundesliga penultimate and also sit on the bench at Hertha BSC (5.30 p.m. / DAZN) on Sunday. “The coaching team, led by Matthias Kreutzer, will prepare the team as best as possible for the important game in Berlin in the short time available,” said the sports management of the Revierklub around sports director Peter Knäbel and sports director Rouven Schröder on Thursday. Previously, Kreutzer had also led Schalke’s training.
Kreutzer had already helped out as an interim coach in the last second division season and looked after Schalke in the 3-0 win at FC Ingolstadt. At that time, transitional coach Mike Büskens had failed. Like Kreutzer, the ex-professional was assistant trainer to Frank Kramer, who was on leave on Wednesday. The Schalke club legend Büskens does not want to help out again as an interim coach.
Apparently on Thursday the hope of finding a new head coach by Sunday was finally dashed. Thomas Reis, who has long been considered a top favourite, would first have to come out of his still valid contract with VfL Bochum. Reis had been on leave a month ago at the station neighbors. According to Sport1, Bruno Labbadia was also asked, but he is said to have canceled.
“In the interests of the club, we will examine all options that we have at short notice to make a decision about the replacement of the head coach position,” the statement said.
The search for a coach had already been difficult in the summer after promotion. The former European Cup permanent guest is still in a difficult economic situation and has to save. In addition, the quality of the squad is limited. Under Kramer, who was only in office for four months, Bundesliga suitability was rarely seen. After the rough 1: 5 on Tuesday in the cup at TSG Hoffenheim, Kramer had to go again. Schalke have recently lost five competitive games in a row.
This prompted a club legend to deliver a scathing verdict. “My impression is that the team is playing even worse at the moment than in the 2020/21 relegation season,” said Olaf Thon to the “kicker”. However, the 1990 World Champion recognizes an important difference to the situation two years ago: “In contrast to that, the team seems intact to me.” a quality issue.”
In addition, there are some injury problems, especially on the defensive. Schalke announced on Thursday that Leo Greiml would also be out in the long term. The centre-back will undergo knee surgery on Friday for a meniscus injury.
