As the licence player boss, Asamoah is the link between the team and the sporting management. But on Wednesday he will leave the training camp.

When Gerald Asamoah appears, things still get restless at Schalke 04 – in a positive sense. Because even a grin or a greeting from the 44-year-old in the direction of the fans triggers feelings of happiness and jubilation among the supporters of the Königsblauen. Even eight years after the end of his active career, what the ex-national player achieved in the Schalke 04 jersey is unforgettable.

He won the hearts of the Schalke fans with his fight, emotional play and loyalty. Even after his career, he has remained loyal to the Gelsenkirchen club, first as co-trainer in the youth sector, then manager of the U23s, then team manager of the professionals and is now head of the professional players’ department.

In this function, Asamoah is a link between the team and the sporting management – a contact person for players, coaches and the board.

Parallel to his job as head of the professional players’ department, the former striker is completing a manager training course run by the German Football Association (DFB). Sports managers from the professional leagues are to be prepared “in the best possible way for their upcoming tasks as decision-makers”, according to the description of the course.

The course takes place regularly in face-to-face sessions in Frankfurt – also this week. On Wednesday and Thursday, Gerald Asamoah will therefore be missing for the Schalke team at the training camp in Mittersill. “I have to leave very early on Wednesday, leave at 3 o’clock, but fly back on Thursday evening,” says the 44-year-old.

Currently, course participants are being trained on licensing and contracts. “There are assignments and things we have to prepare and read,” Asamoah explains. “Then at the end there will be a final exam.” The course will run until October – after which Asamoah can call himself a certified sports manager.