Mirko Slomka is being considered as successor to Peter Knäbel as manager at Schalke. Now the former S04 coach has commented on the rumors.

It was only a few days ago that Mirko Slomka, who was a Bundesliga coach for many years, declared that his coaching career was over after stints at Hannover 96, Schalke 04 and Hamburger SV. “I now say quite clearly: my time as a coach is over,” the 56-year-old revealed in a Kicker interview. “I would like to apply the wide range of tools I now have at the management level at a club.”

Since then, the rumor mill has been buzzing: Would the 56-year-old be a candidate for FC Schalke? Peter Knäbel will end his time as sports director there after six years on June 30, 2024. As he himself announced, he will not extend his expiring contract.

Slomka, who works as an expert for the Sky program “Dein Fußball-Sonntag,” was asked about the rumors. “I still have ties to Schalke,” said Slomka. “But there have been no official talks. But Schalke remains close to my heart.” However, Slomka emphasized the word “official” slightly smugly, leaving room for speculation.

Slomka returned to his home club Hannover 96 in 2019 after being relegated from the Bundesliga, but had to leave again after just 12 match days. He recently completed a degree in sports management at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. His greatest successes as a football coach were the 2007 vice-championship with FC Schalke 04 and two Europa League appearances with Hannover 96.

Former Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt is also being considered as a successor to Knäbel. But one step at a time. Matthias Tillmann will take up his post as the new CEO at the turn of the year. The new club boss will get an idea of the situation and then make a judgment. Other candidates could then still be considered as sporting directors.