The Schalke defender Timo Baumgartl was banned from the professional squad to the U23s. Now he speaks publicly about the sanctions.

He addresses the fans. Those supporters who have seen FC Schalke 04 go through very low lows and only a few small highs this season. To those fans who currently have to live with the fear that their FC Schalke 04, for years the royal blue flagship, not only has to talk about a completely botched second division season, but that the spectre of relegation does not even stop at what is actually such a great name.

“Dear Schalke fans, we will manage to stay in the league. I firmly believe that!” wrote Timo Baumgartl on his Instagram page. The 28-year-old will no longer be actively involved on the pitch. Last week, coach Karel Geraerts removed the defender from the professional squad. In future, the former Union Berlin player will train with the U23s.

The reason given was sporting: “I made the decision that Timo will be part of the U23s in future because I’m not happy with his performance,” explained the 42-year-old Belgian. “In training sessions over the past few weeks, I didn’t get the impression that he would help us in the remaining, important competitive matches.”

It is not the first suspension for the former U21 international: In an interview in September 2023, he criticized the tactics of then coach Thomas Reis. He then trained with the U23s for a week before rejoining the professional squad. This time, a comeback seems unrealistic

What I cannot and will not tolerate, however, are unjustified accusations and allegations regarding my professionalism, motivation and team spirit. Over the past weeks and months, I have always behaved in a professional and team-oriented manner and have never put my personal interests above those of the club or the team. Together for staying in the league.

Timo Baumgartl

The 28-year-old went on to comment on the sanction imposed by Karel Geraerts as follows:

“At the beginning of my time at Schalke, I made a mistake for which I apologized and was rightly sanctioned. However, this mistake was not the result of any malicious intent, but of emotions and the desire to be successful with Schalke. For this reason, I also accept the coach’s current decision. What I cannot and will not tolerate, however, are unjustified accusations and allegations regarding my professionalism, motivation and team spirit. Over the past weeks and months, I have always behaved in a professional and team-oriented manner and have never put my personal interests above those of the club or the team. Together for relegation. “