Huub Stevens voiced his concerns about Schalke's Bundesliga 2 struggles: "It's gonna be rough"
In a candid conversation with the German Press Agency, long-time Schalke coach Huub Stevens expressed his concerns about the team's current state. The cautious Dutchie predicted a challenging road ahead. "You've got to brace yourself, it's going to be rough," he said, days before his 70th birthday. "I can see us struggling if things continue the way they are."
Schalke is struggling to gain traction in the Bundesliga 2, currently languishing in third-to-last place with just 13 points from 14 games since their 5-3 defeat to Fortuna Düsseldorf. Stevens' vivid description of watching the Revierclub's subpar soccer play paired with his disapproval was unmistakable. "Absolutely, you can't help but worry," Stevens said with a worried tone. "Disappointment is inevitable."
His past successes with Schalke – winning the UEFA Cup in 1997 and the DFB Cup twice in 2001 and 2002 – make his current apprehension all the more striking. "I barely recognize this team from that time," the born-and-bred Groninger said, expressing his concern for the future. The current squad is led by players like Janik Bachmann, Emil Højlund, and Kenan Karaman, but their performances suggest that there's more to it than just individual talent.
While acknowledging the financial challenges facing Schalke, Stevens remains uncertain about potential solutions.: "I can't comment too much on that. But I'd like to see some fresh faces in the winter," he said, emphasizing the importance of quality in the transfer market.
The club's recent performance, steady coaching changes, squad composition, and financial struggles paint a complex picture of the team's situation. It's a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive solution.
If Schalke is to turn things around, potential solutions may include:
- Stabilizing the Coaching Position: To ensure a consistent strategy, the coaching position needs to be secure. This not only requires a stable team environment but also the appropriate resources to succeed.
- Player Recruitment: Attracting top talent requires a competitive salary structure and bolstering the team's overall appeal. This, in turn, could help attract quality players to bolster the squad.
- Youth Development: Investing in the youth academy provides a long-term solution and reduces reliance on expensive transfers. Developed young players can grow into the first team and help the team's performance.
- Team Cohesion: Improving communication, training methods, and team-building activities can help build a stronger unit, ultimately leading to better performance.
- Financial Management: Addressing the financial issues by securing stable funding, reducing debt, and improving revenue streams can help the club attract and retain top talent.
Huub Stevens' proposed solutions might include a more balanced team with a mix of youth and experience, as well as a more defensive approach to stabilize their performance. Given his history with the club and the current team's struggles, a holistic strategy is necessary to overcome their challenges.
