Directly after the defeat against FC Bayern, Schalke’s coach Thomas Reis swore his players into the tough relegation battle after the World Cup break. “We are the hunters, the others are the hunted – that’s what the coach said in the dressing room,” said midfielder Tom Krauss.
“We have to accept that and develop from day to day. Then I’m also in a very positive mood. ”Only the football player himself knows to what extent this is purposeful optimism in view of the bitter situation in the table at the bottom of the Bundesliga.
Fact is: In 15 games promoted Schalke have only scored nine points, the gap to VfB Stuttgart on the relegation place is already five points. But it is also a fact that since Reis took over Gelsenkirchen at the end of October, there has been a clear development. The big question is: is that enough?
Schalke plays much more actively under Reis. The Revierklub attacks the opponent earlier, plays with more speed and is more determined. After seven league defeats in a row, the 1-0 win against Mainz last Wednesday created a spirit of optimism. There was real excitement in the stands and on the pitch. The defeat against leaders Bayern was to be expected. Because the competition from Bochum and Berlin won, things look bleak in the table.
“The team is willing”
“Of course it’s not nice when you see the table. It was clear to me that it would be very difficult or very special with Schalke 04,” said Reis. The particularly long winter break this year because of the World Cup in Qatar is not inconvenient for the coach.
“I tried to bring a certain DNA and a certain philosophy to the team,” said the 49-year-old. “The team is willing to implement things. She has found trust. Nevertheless, I’m glad that there might be another opportunity to make adjustments in all things.”
That includes transfers. “It would be good if we could get more speed and variability in certain positions,” said Reis on the Sky TV station. “We’ll sit down in the next few days and see what can be done.”
However, Schalke does not have great financial possibilities. In addition, sports director Rouven Schröder, a specialist, has left the Revierklub for personal reasons. His duties are currently being taken over by Sport Director Peter Knäbel. He will have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks.
