Former Bundesliga player trains with the Under-23 squad
Marcel Sobottka, a former Schalke youth player and experienced professional, is currently training with FC Schalke 04's U23 team as a free agent. Sobottka, who has played for Fortuna Düsseldorf for the last ten years and has been their captain at times, is using this opportunity to maintain his fitness and potentially earn a contract with the club.
The training sessions have sparked speculation about a possible return to Schalke, where his experience would be valuable, especially given the U23 team's current personnel shortages. Sobottka, born in Gelsenkirchen, has a strong connection to the club and went through the youth teams of the Knappenschmiede.
In the coming weeks, Sobottka will have the chance to get fit on Schalke and potentially recommend himself for a contract. Meanwhile, Luca Podlech, a goalkeeper talent, has been training with FC Schalke 04's U23 team instead of the professional team. It is planned that Podlech will gather playing experience in the U23 team in the coming season to recommend himself for higher positions.
FC Schalke 04 is continuing to present itself fan-friendly, two weeks before the start of the second division season. The first two units of the team returned from the training camp on Wednesday and Thursday and were open to the fans. Many hundreds of Schalke fans attended to see the teams at the Berger Field, where Sobottka has been training.
Aris Bayindir (18), who missed the training camp due to injury, has returned to training with FC Schalke 04's second division team. The Berger Field saw noticeably many children during the events, who were able to get autographs from their heroes.
For those interested in staying updated on the team's progress, FC Schalke 04 offers a newsletter that provides match reports, transfer rumors, analyses, and interviews about the team. Readers can sign up for the newsletter for free. A signing of Marcel Sobottka by FC Schalke 04 seems possible, but as of now, he has not yet signed a contract with the U23 team.
[1] Source: https://www.sport1.de/fußball/bundesliga/schalke-04/marcel-sobottka-uebt-mit-schalke-04s-u23-an-14817868.html [2] Source: https://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/schalke04/marcel-sobottka-uebt-mit-schalke-04s-u23-an-14817940.html [3] Source: https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/marcel-sobottka-trains-with-schalke-04s-u23-team-2022-2023-season
Sobottka's training with FC Schalke 04's U23 team has ignited discussions about a potential return to the club, given his previous experience and the current personel shortages in their youth teams. As he works to regain his fitness, Sobottka, a native of Gelsenkirchen, could potentially make a substantial impact in European leagues if he secures a contract with Schalke.
