If Schalke's underperforming players don't step up their game, they may find themselves on their way out!
After the 4:0 drubbing at the hands of the hapless Osnabrückers, Schalke's sporting director André Hechelmann and coach Karel Geraerts are ramping up the heat on the crisis-ridden club's (16th place in the relegation play-offs) professional rank and file. The last games of the first half of the season against Rostock (10.12.) and Frauenbach (15.12.) are no small affairs, with high stakes for several key players.
Time to Deliver or Face the Consequences
► Central defender Marcin Kaminski (31) and midfield additions Ron Schallenberg (25) and Paul Seguin (28) have a chance to salvage their positions. They're expected to continue their stellar performances against VfL.
► Full-backs Thomas Ouwejan (27/recently suspended) and Cédric Brunner (29), whose contracts expire in the summer, are under the microscope. The pressure is immense, especially considering that Schalke would still reap some financial reward if they were to part ways before the season's end.
Midfield danger-man Lino Tempelmann (24/currently injured) is allotted one last opportunity to quell the mounting doubts about his performance.
► Sebastian Polter (32) and Timo Baumgartl (27) are unlikely to even be on the bench, much less see game time. But their future is far from certain, with a demonstration of their target or can-do mentality required.
Schalke's Exit Strategy
Post-elimination discussions with the affected stars could become uncomfortable or even contentious, as reports suggest.
Insights
Important players to pay attention to in the upcoming games include:
- Amin Younes has been included in the matchday squad for the first time since the 4-2 win against Paderborn on Dec. 6, 2024.
- Aymen Barkok made his bench debut since joining Schalke on deadline day.
- Taylan Bulut was not available for the match against Köln due to illness.
- Moussa Sylla has sustained a muscle strain during training and is currently out of action.
- Paul Seguin is currently serving a yellow-card suspension.
These players' availability and performance will significantly impact Schalke's squad composition and prospects for the remainder of the season.
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