Schalke 04 staggered towards the 2nd division – Schneider before the end

Schalke 04 also missed a win at Union Berlin, relegation is getting closer. Sports director Jochen Schneider might lose his job beforehand.

Jochen Schneider went to diving station. The controversial sports director of Schalke 04 rejected all interview requests before and after the zero number at Union Berlin, the fan protest against him and the rumors about his imminent replacement, the 50-year-old did not want to comment. Even so, it has long been clear: Schneider’s end can hardly be avoided regardless of the outcome of the Schalke season.

On Friday evening, several hundred fans had gathered in front of the office and with posters (“No matter if league one or two, Jochen, you’re not in!”) And chants (“Tailor out! Tailor out!”) Demanded that the hapless manager be kicked out . Schneider is said to have left his office and discussed outside with the angry supporters.

“I think it’s a shame, he put in an incredible amount of effort in the transfer time,” said coach Christian Gross after the 0-0 defeat of the Bundesliga bottom at Union on ZDF: “He is committed to this club day and night.”

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The question is no longer whether Schalke will part ways with Schneider, but when

Nobody accuses Schneider of a lack of commitment, but the numerous wrong personnel decisions and communication glitches. The question is no longer whether Schalke will part ways with Schneider, but when. The club is feverishly looking for a new sports director who could take over Schneider’s duties immediately or for the new season. An internal solution would be Peter Knäbel, Director of the Knappenschmiede.

Schneider, whose work on Schalke can also be seen against the background of the high mountain of debt and the mistakes of his predecessors, does not want to be a burden for the club in the event of a separation. “In general, it will never be about severance payments for me,” he said some time ago: “If at some point I don’t work for Schalke 04 for a minute, I don’t want any money either.”

Do the players think so too? The appearance at Union at least showed that the team is fighting against falling into second class – but that alone is not enough. It was also an act of desperation that Nabil Bentaleb, who had been suspended five times (!) In Berlin, immediately moved into the starting line-up after almost three months of individual training.

“We’re in a storm at sea, so we all need sailors,” said coach Gross with a shrug. Bentaleb played well in the first half before he ran out of strength.

Next Saturday there will be a crisis derby Borussia Dortmund, it could be the last duel against the arch-rival for the time being. For Schalke only one victory counts, otherwise slogans like those from Gross (“Hope definitely dies last”) or goalkeeper Ralf Fährmann (“Don’t stick your head in the sand”) only seem ridiculous. And fan anger would not only hit the sports board in the event of bankruptcy. sid

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