Schalke coach Karel Geraerts is considering a squad place for Darko Churlinov in Kaiserslautern. But what position should he actually play in?

Just three days after his signing, returnee Darko Churlinov is expected to be back in the second division squad of FC Schalke 04. “We’ll see how the training goes on Thursday, but when a player is mentally ready, the body will follow,” said coach Karel Geraerts, with a view to a possible place in the squad this Friday (6:30 p.m./Sky) in the away game at 1. FC Kaiserslautern for the loan from FC Burnley.

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 be discouraged despite his role as a reserve. The last time Churlinov played for the Burnley first team was in April 2023 due to illness. Nevertheless, Geraerts’ personal first impression of the 23-year-old North Macedonian international is good, as he explained. “Darko is very motivated to play here and help Schalke,” said the coach.

But where is there room for Churlinov in the 4-4-2 diamond system that Karel Geraerts has been relying on recently? The newcomer feels most comfortable on the offensive wing positions, but these do not exist in the current formation. “I see him in offense, maybe as a second striker or as a number ten,” Geraerts gave an insight into his thoughts. There, the Belgian coach has recently relied on Kenan Karaman. ‘Should we change the system, he can also come down the wings in a 4-3-3.’

What is important 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 be particularly good at dribbling and playing tricks. ‘He wants the ball, likes one-on-one situations,’ described Geraerts.