Despite Two Consecutive Defeats, Schalke Coach Kees van Wonderen Urges Calm
Schalke 04 head coach Kees van Wonderen has called for calm after two consecutive defeats, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective in the club’s fight against relegation from the 2. Bundesliga.
Following a string of promising performances, Schalke suffered a 5-2 setback against 1. FC Magdeburg and a 1-0 defeat at 1. FC Köln. The Royal Blues now hold a mere six-point advantage over the relegation zone after 21 matches.
"We must not panic and need to keep our long-term goals in sight. That’s what we’re doing," van Wonderen stated ahead of Schalke’s match against Karlsruher SC on Sunday.
Van Wonderen acknowledged the need for vigilance but stressed the significance of reaching the 40-point mark to ensure safety.
"We need to be alert. It’s about getting out of this situation as quickly as possible," said van Wonderen. "Our first goal is to get to 40 points. To be safe for the time being." Schalke currently stands at 24 points.
Analyzing Schalke’s Recent Struggles
Schalke’s recent setbacks have raised concerns among supporters, who are understandably worried about the team’s ability to avoid relegation. Several factors have contributed to the club’s struggles:
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Defensive Lapses: Schalke has conceded 36 goals in 21 matches, the second-highest total in the league. The team has been vulnerable on the counterattack and has struggled to contain opposition wingers.
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Lack of Creativity in Attack: Schalke has scored 32 goals this season, which is an average of 1.53 goals per game. However, the team has often lacked creativity in the final third and has relied heavily on set pieces for goals.
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Injuries and Suspensions: Schalke has been hampered by injuries and suspensions, which have depleted the coach’s options, particularly in defense.
Maintaining Belief and Long-Term Focus
Despite the recent setbacks, van Wonderen remains confident in his team’s ability to turn things around. He believes that the team has shown enough quality in recent performances to suggest that they can avoid relegation.
"We have to stick together as a team and keep believing in ourselves," said van Wonderen. "We know that we can play better, and we’re determined to prove it on the pitch."
The club’s management has also expressed support for van Wonderen, emphasizing the need for patience and continuity.
"We believe in Kees van Wonderen and his staff," said Schalke sporting director Rouven Schröder. "We’re all working hard to improve the situation, and we’re confident that we can do it."
Upcoming Fixtures and Crucial Matches
Schalke faces a crucial run of fixtures in the coming weeks, which will determine their fate in the relegation battle. The Royal Blues will host Karlsruher SC on Sunday before traveling to SV Sandhausen the following weekend.
These matches will provide Schalke with an opportunity to get back to winning ways and build momentum. However, they will need to be wary of their opponents, who are both fighting for points.
Conclusion
Schalke’s recent defeats have raised concerns about the club’s ability to avoid relegation, but coach Kees van Wonderen has urged calm and emphasized the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective.
The team has shown enough quality in recent performances to suggest that they can turn things around, but they will need to find consistency, improve defensively, and be more creative in attack.
Schalke faces a crucial run of fixtures in the coming weeks, which will determine their fate in the relegation battle. If the team can get back to winning ways and build momentum, they can still avoid the drop and secure their 2. Bundesliga status for another season.
