More than 10,000 Schalke fans were there in Berlin – and they were disappointed. Geraerts addressed a few words to the supporters after the final whistle.

When Karel Geraerts spoke two days before the away game at Hertha BSC about the upcoming task and the backdrop at the Olympiastadion, the Schalke 04 coach went into raptures. It was one of the games he was particularly looking forward to, he said, also referring to the many S04 fans at the game in the capital. He draws his energy from such moments as a coach.

At 3.30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, the coach’s mood was completely different. A few minutes after Schalke’s 5-2 defeat, Geraerts was disappointed and perplexed by his team’s poor performance – he even questioned the team’s character.

It was important for the 42-year-old Belgian to say a few words to the fans – words of apology. “I have to apologize to the fans,” he said. “To all those who traveled so far to see such a performance.”

It was bitter for Geraerts and his team when they went to the visitors’ stand at the Olympiastadion after the game. The professionals were booed and abused by the more than 10,000 supporters and even had a few drinks cups thrown in the players’ direction

“We want to see you fight,” sang a large proportion of the fans in utter frustration. Because the competition in the relegation battle picked up a considerable number of points on matchday 25 (Lautern with a draw, Rostock and Braunschweig with victories), Schalke 04 is once again worried about falling into the 3rd division. They are only two points clear of the relegation places and three points clear of the first direct relegation place.

Schalke will not have the opportunity to make amends until Easter Sunday (March 31) at home against Karlsruher SC – and despite the home game, it will not be easy for the Royal Blues. Parallel to Schalke’s 1:5 defeat, KSC won 7:0 against 1. FC Magdeburg