New coach Kees van Wonderen: Schalke 04 on the way to return!

New coach Kees van Wonderen: Schalke 04 on the way to return!

Gelsenkirchen-A new chapter for FC Schalke 04 begins with the commitment of the 55-year-old Dutchman Kees van Wonderen as a trainer. The former coach of SC Heerenveen succeeds Karel Geraerts. Van Wonderen signed a contract until summer 2026. This decision was made immediately after the 2-2 draw against Hertha BSC, which saw those responsible for the club as another indicative moment for the need for action.

"The conversations with those responsible were very constructive," said van Wonderen in a first statement that was announced as part of the club announcement. He emphasized the trust that was built in the discussions and mentioned the analysis of the previous season games in order to develop an optimal strategy for the team. He will lead his first training on Monday, which increases the anticipation for his approach directly in the current season.

background to the coaching decision

The dismissal of Karel Geraerts followed a bitter 3: 5 home defeat against Darmstadt 98, at which Schalke already led 3-0, only to then lose the game. This type of performance shows the challenges with which the team is faced with this season. Interim coach Jakob Fimpel has temporarily managed the team and can at least show a positive turn against SC Prussia Münster, where a happy 2-1 victory was achieved. However, the tie against Hertha BSC remained another sign of the ongoing difficulties in the game structure.

The Schalke team has been strongly rebuilt this season, which resulted in tensions and unconstance in performance. Cader planner Ben Manga tries to develop young talents and strategically strengthen the squad, but faces the challenge that the players have not yet worked in. Defensively, there were always serious weaknesses that Van Wonderen must now approach in the coming weeks and months.

With only eight points after eight games, Schalke remains far behind his own ambitions. With these results, the targeted return to the Bundesliga is a long way off. Van Wonderen's first competitive game with his new team will take place against Hannover 96 after the international break on October 19. This will be a crucial opportunity for the new trainer to put his ideas practical and to stabilize the team.

The continuing difficulties and the associated changes in the coaching team illustrate the pressure on the club, especially in view of the financial situation and the need to achieve sporting success. Schalke 04, a traditional club in German football, now has to hope that Van Wonderen can initiate the turn that is of the greatest importance for the fans and the entire environment.