Schalke terminates cooperation with van Wonderen - Mulder expresses self-criticism - Schalke Parts Ways with Van Wonderen; Mulder Shows Remorse
Headline: Schalke's Van Wonderen On His Way Out: Baumann Begins Hunt for New Coach, Mulder Admits Gaffes
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Schalke's sporting director Youri Mulder has spoken up regarding the imminent departure of coach Kees van Wonderen, admitting self- criticism and acknowledging the mistakes made along the way. The rumored split at the end of the season isn't linked to van Wonderen's criticism following the 2:2 draw against Hamburger SV, as discussions about parting ways had already occurred prior to that.
"The discussions were already underway," Mulder stated. "Kees held a mirror up to us, but the timing of his remarks wasn't ideal. If we're going to be successful here at Schalke, everyone needs to stand together. He was a little right about that," said Mulder.
Van Wonderen had previously hinted at an early end to his tenure, which was initially scheduled until the summer of 2026. The former coach heavily criticized the club's management, and Schalke officially announced the expected move on Wednesday. Co-trainer Robert Molenaar will also part ways in the summer. The decision was justified by a strategic realignment concerning the trainer position.
Frank Baumann, the future sporting director, will now guide the search for a successor. Mulder hopes that the right lessons will be learned from van Wonderen's nine-month tenure at the club. "When the new coach comes on board, we won't have doubts after three or four games," Mulder said.
In the past two weeks, Baumann has stepped up as the new board member for sport, and the pair have already intensively discussed the qualities a head coach should possess for Schalke. "We've also contemplated whether the current constellation suits these requirements in the long term," Mulder explained. "It wasn't an easy choice, but we've all agreed to part ways with Kees van Wonderen at the end of the season."
The search for a new coach is now underway, and so far, no formal discussions have taken place with potential candidates according to the press release. Recent media reports suggest several trainer candidates, including Markus Anfang, who was recently fired from 1. FC Kaiserslautern, and Raúl, former Schalke player turned coach of Real Madrid's second team.
Van Wonderen caused a stir after the hard-fought point win against HSV with surprisingly frank statements about his future. For him, it's clear that "I won't be here after this season. All the signs are there." When asked if his statements were directed at CEO Matthias Tillmann, he replied, "For instance." He had expected more support after the embarrassing 0:2 defeat against bottom-of-the-table Jahn Regensburg the week before, "but instead heard nothing and that there were doubts behind the scenes." This was "disappointing." He can handle criticism, "but if you doubt, you might as well replace someone else."
The 2:2 draw against HSV saw van Wonderen praising the team's resilience. After Kenan Karaman's early red card (3rd minute), the team stood united and deservedly earned a point thanks to Moussa Sylla's equalizing goal (81st minute).
- Schalke
- Kees van Wonderen
- Frank Baumann
- Bundesliga
- Gelsenkirchen
- Hamburger SV
- Markus Anfang
- HSV
Enrichment Data:Following Kees van Wonderen’s announced departure from Schalke 04, there are no specific mentions of candidates for the manager position in the provided search results. However, the club is undergoing significant changes with Frank Baumann as the new board member for sport, aiming to steer the team towards success[4].
Experience in Germany's second division or managing clubs with growth potential is often desired for coaching positions in similar contexts. Marco Klauß, with extensive experience in the German second division, is a potential candidate mentioned in another context, though he is not directly connected to Schalke 04's search for a new manager[1]. The club may prioritize candidates with a strategic vision that matches their goals as they search for a new coach to lead them forward.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of the environment, aiming to ensure equalizing measures in sports, particularly football, within European-leagues.
- Frank Baumann, Schalke's incoming sporting director, will oversee the search for a successor to Kees van Wonderen, whose departure was announced following the 2:2 draw against Hamburger SV.
- The search for a new coach at Schalke might focus on candidates with a strategic vision that matches the club's goals, given their experience in Germany's second division or working with clubs with growth potential.
- In 2026, Schalke may have a new coach in place, following the completion of the ongoing search and the subsequent departure of Kees van Wonderen, who admitted gaffes and criticized the club's management during his tenure.
