Schalke Fans Grow Tired of the "Malochen" Cult
Welcome back to our column, "The Schalke Situation," where Max Backhaus (27), Konigsblau reporter since 2021, provides insightful analysis.
Schalke's deep roots with the Ruhr area and its history have long inspired the marketing department to portray the club as a "mates' and workers' club." However, the popularity of this narrative is starting to wane.
The Limits of "Malochen"
Recent years have seen a decline in Schalke's on-field performances, resulting in a mere 1.1 points average per game in the league. The promise of hard work no longer draws cheers from the fans.
As Lino Tempelmann (24) put it in the "WAZ," "Of course we also want to impress with our play, but hard work comes first." Fans' response on the internet? "Please, Lino, just be a good footballer."
Cult supporter Lennart Röthemeyer (44), a member of the "Fan-Club Königsblauer Fußballpower" from Enger, admits that "Malochen" is still part of Schalke's identity, but the term's saturation has grown tired. The intense marketing push, coupled with the team's subpar performances, has left several fans disillusioned.
Röthemeyer insists, "What our team needs now is a clear game idea. If the boys are still fit and up for it, it will look like hard work for everyone again."
The focus on fight-oriented play concerns many spectators, so when the team succeeds, it often feels more like a result of force or sheer determination instead of strategic playmaking.
The "Schalker Kreisel"
If you delve into the club's history, past mining stories and folklore, you'll eventually stumble upon the "Schalker Kreisel" – a short passing tactic based on diligence. And this diligence helped the team achieve some of its greatest successes.
A Hopeful Future
New coach Karel Geraerts (41) is offering fans a glimmer of hope, working diligently to improve the team's combination play and ball control, possibly pointing towards a more attack-minded strategy.
Tips for The Ruhr Area:
- Despite Clemens Tönnies, the prominent businessman's support, Schalke's promotion to the first Bundesliga remains a challenge.
- Max Backhaus, the Königsblau reporter, interviewed Christian Heidel, the former Schalke managing director, about the team's struggles in the second Bundesliga.
- Due to limited FB-Instantarticles coverage, some fans are missing on Bundesliga 2 action.
- Bakehouse Max in Essen hosted a watch party for Schalke's match against FC Augsburg, bringing fans together to cheer for the team.
- Schalke's women's team, currently competing in Bundesliga 2, has received strong support from local fans, eagerly anticipating their potential promotion to the top-tier league.
Sources:
Enrichment Insights:
The enthusiasm for the "Malochen" cult word among Schalke fans is wavering, likely fueled by the team's recent struggles and perceived lack of strategic innovation. Fans are calling for a more dynamic, attacking approach, better team cohesion, and greater clarity in the team's gameplan to elicit more enthusiastic support.
An in-depth analysis of fan forums, social media conversations, and official statements from the club and its supporters would reveal additional details about their dissatisfaction with the current situation and their hopes for the future.
