Schalke 04 releases coach Kees van Wonderen after Paderborn-bankrupt!

Schalke 04 releases coach Kees van Wonderen after Paderborn-bankrupt!

Schalke 04 separated with immediate effect from coach Kees van Wonderen. This decision was made after the 0-2 defeat against SC Paderborn, which increased the team's worrying development in the past few weeks. Professional football director Youri Mulder already indicated a possible separation after this game. Schalke is now only six points above the relegation place, which underpins the urgency of the decision.

Jakob Fimpel, the U23 coach, will take responsibility in terms of interim and lead the next two games. Fimpel had already looked after the team in the first half of the season and scored four points from two games, which brought him positive response to players. Mulder expressed gratefully for the work done by Van Wonderen and his assistant coach Robert Molenaar, who was also released prematurely.

trend reversal urgently required

The last four games ended extremely disappointing for Schalke 04 because only one point could be achieved. Mulder has expressed his concern about the appearance and development of the team in the past two weeks. In such a shape curve, the fear of relegation is real and understandable.

Kees van Wonderen took over Schalke in October 2024 and had a contract until 2026. Before his release, he announced that he wanted to optimally enjoy the remaining games. The official confirmation of his exemption took place on Saturday morning, immediately after the game against Paderborn.

context of the coaching change

In the current season of the 2nd Bundesliga, the struggle for points was characterized by numerous coaching changes. FC Schalke 04 was under pressure at the beginning of the season and ended the collaboration with Karel Geraerts when the team was on the relegation place. Fimpel took over and was allowed to lead the team for a short time before van Wonderen was stopped. But the repeated instability has now forced those responsible to act.

The upcoming games are crucial for the future of the association. Fimpel has the chance again to prove itself and possibly initiate a trend reversal that Schalke 04 could protect from relegation. The coming days will show whether the interim solution has an effect and whether Schalke 04 can realize its goal to keep the league.

For another assessment of the situation and the developments in the league, Rnd Background of the dismissal, while Transfer market More details on the coaching change history and the previous course of the season. In addition, 90min offers a comprehensive overview of the change of coaches in the 2nd Bundesliga this season.