Schalke coach has promised Darko Churlinov a place in the squad at Kaiserslautern. But in which position should he actually play?

Just three days after signing, returnee Darko Churlinov is expected to be back in the FC Schalke 04 second division squad. “We’re still waiting to see how training goes on Thursday, but if a player is mentally ready, the body will follow,” said coach Karel Geraerts with a view to a possible squad place for the loanee from Burnley FC this Friday (18:30/Sky) in the away game at 1. FC Kaiserslautern.

Geraerts is encouraged by the fact that Churlinov has completed all training sessions at his former club in England in recent months and has not let himself down despite his reserve role. Churlinov last played for the Burnley FC professionals in April 2023 due to illness. Geraerts’ personal first impression of the 23-year-old North Macedonian international is nevertheless good, as he explained. “Darko is very motivated to play here and help Schalke,” said the coach.

But where is there actually room for Churlinov in the 4-4-2 system with a diamond, which Karel Geraerts has always relied on recently? The new signing feels most comfortable in the attacking wing positions, but there are none in the current formation. “I see him in the offense, perhaps as a second striker or as a ten-man,” Geraerts gave an insight into his thoughts. The Belgian coach has been relying on Kenan Karaman in this position recently. “If we change the system, he can also play on the wings in a 4-3-3.”

The important thing for the coach is that he now has more squad options thanks to Darko Churlinov. “We can be very flexible in the coming weeks,” said Geraerts. He expects the North Macedonian, who already played for Schalke in the 2021/22 promotion season (22 games, two goals, six assists), to have dribbling skills and wit. “He wants the ball, likes one-on-one situations,” described Geraerts.