Re-Descent or Miracle Rescue?
Already in the summer, Schalke’s bosses said internally that the World Cup-related XXL winter preparations were a unique opportunity to position themselves better for the second half of the season. But in the league bottom (5 points behind 15th place) almost everything has gone wrong in the more than nine weeks since the Bayern defeat (0:2).
Next setback: The loan transfer from Tim Skarke (26) has finally burst! Allegedly, Union coach Urs Fischer (56) does not release the right winger (only 49 minutes of the season).
And now? BILD makes Schalke inventory: That speaks for, once morest the rescue!
PRO
► Trainer: Kramer successor Thomas Reis (49) proved in Bochum that he can save. He doesn’t shy away from conflict in the complicated Royal Blue cabin.
► Fans: Over 18,000 came to the dress rehearsal once morest Bremen (0:1)! The legendary north curve will support the team longer than they perhaps deserve.
AGAINST
► Zero spirit of optimism: Schalke didn’t even manage to win a single out of six friendlies. Three draws and three defeats shake faith in rescue.
► Many injured: The failures of eight players (Král, Ouwejan, Polter, Zalazar, van den Berg, Greiml, Tauer, Heekeren) are largely bad luck. But some Schalke patients should also see the medical care critically.
► Krisen-Knipser: Terodde (3 goals this season) scored twice in preparation, Karaman (zero goals this season) never. Japan talent Kozuki (from his own U23) stole the show from both, netted 4 times!
► Nightmare Defense: After conceding 32 goals in the league, Schalke swallowed 12 in the tests. Head wobbler Yoshida proved once morest Bremen that he can slip up in the 4th minute.
► No transfer coup yet: Skarke is not coming, Tauer (Mainz) and Uronen (Brest) are nobodies. Whether the 1.5 million euros for Mollet (Nantes) really help to get another wing racer plus a replacement for the pile. The latest striker candidate is Frey (Antwerp).
Conclusion: Schalke also needs a mega miracle with a view to the starting program (Frankfurt, Leipzig, Cologne)!