In view of the measly yield of four points from the first five match days, the unrest at FC Schalke is growing. The fear of another season on the brink of the relegation battle, which would also be extremely counterproductive with regard to the planned squad development, is increasing.
That’s why the pressure on Karel Geraerts recently seemed to be growing, especially since Ben Manga is said to not be a big fan of the head coach anyway. After the 0:2 defeat against Karlsruher SC last Friday, however, Marc Wilmots made a crystal clear statement. “I just want to say one thing: There is no discussion about the coach. Even if many people think differently: We’re continuing to work, I have no doubts,” the sports director stressed (90min reported).
Of course, this debate does not stop at the team. For example, Justin Heekeren was asked about this topic in a press conference after training on Monday. The goalkeeper made his point very clear (via Bild): “The team is fully behind Karel Geraerts. We as players have clear tasks. If we don’t fulfill them, it’s not his fault.”
In doing so, S04’s number one also took Geraerts, who some fans were already counting out, out of the firing line. Heekeren continued: “You could put whoever you wanted there. If we don’t do our job, that won’t change anything. Unfortunately, the coach is the one who stands on the sidelines and has to put up with it.”
So instead of discussing the coach, Heekeren believes the team has a responsibility. Schalke often falls behind due to individual errors, some of which are simply hair-raising. That is where the keeper clearly believes they need to start. With a home win against Darmstadt 98 on Friday evening, the Royal Blues and Geraerts personally could get some peace of mind again.
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