Karel Geraerts has spoken for the first time since being fired as Schalke 04 coach. He thanked the fans, players and his family.
Since his release as Schalke 04 coach, things have been quiet around Karel Geraerts. Now the 42-year-old, who had to leave after the 3-5 home defeat to Darmstadt 98 three and a half weeks ago, has spoken out for the first time. On Wednesday evening, Geraerts said goodbye to the club on his Instagram channel, where he had been on the sidelines for almost a year.
“Now that the dust has settled, I would like to take a moment to thank you, the incredible Schalke 04 fans, from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support during my time at this historic club,” he wrote alongside a photo of the team in front of the Nordkurve. ”Together we have experienced some wonderful moments, but we have also come through difficult times. We shared the same passion and an unwavering commitment to this team.” He will never forget this connection.
The Belgian also thanked the players, coaching staff and club employees. “Your hard work, dedication and belief in this team meant a lot to me. It was an honor to work with such talented and passionate people.”
Addressing his family, Geraerts wrote: “Your unconditional support and understanding during the ups and downs of this journey were my greatest strength. None of this would have been possible without you.”
The former professional came to Gelsenkirchen in September 2023 as successor to Thomas Reis. After a slow start, he stabilized the team in the second half of last season. But the poor start to the current season cost him his job after a total of 33 games in the job (points average: 1.3).
On Saturday, Geraerts will be able to watch from the couch to see if his successor Kees van Wonderen celebrates a successful debut. The away game at Hannover 96 is the first competitive game for the 55-year-old Dutchman, who was signed at the beginning of the international break.
Geraerts seems to believe in the turnaround after his departure: “Schalke is a club with a proud tradition, and I am sure that you will soon be back where this club belongs – at the top. I will always carry this time in my heart and wish you and the entire team only the best for the future.”