Schalke coach Karel Geraerts already has two assistants – after the training camp, a third “co-coach” will be added
On the fourth day of the training camp in Austria, the professionals of second division club FC Schalke 04 found themselves in a supposedly dangerous situation: they tested their team spirit while white-water rafting, and the pictures from this team event showed a good mood – situation survived. However, professionals and fans alike had hoped not to experience any more wild water in Mittersill
On Friday, however, a thunderstorm came up during the first session, it rained heavily – and coach Karel Geraerts had to call it off.
Schalke: Second abortion in the training camp week
It was the second time the training camp had been called off during the week – the test against Danish champions FC Midtyjlland had already been ended prematurely at 2:4. This is not ideal – neither for the professionals nor for the pitch conditions.
The Schalke players leave early on Sunday anyway. Only two more sessions and the second friendly match against Dynamo Kiev (Saturday, 4pm) are on the schedule.
During the training sessions, Geraerts was supported by his two co-trainers Tim Smolders and Sidney Sam. Smolders had brought Geraerts with him from Belgium, while Sam had been installed by the new head squad planner Ben Manga as well as goalkeeping coach Stephan Loboué.
It has now been announced on the sidelines of the training camp that Geraerts will have an additional assistant. This has always been the 42-year-old’s wish, expressed after the last match of the 2023/2024 season in Fürth (0:2). Manga and sporting director Marc Wilmots had always emphasized that the plan was to bring in a Geraerts “co” – but only if a suitable candidate was available.
Geraerts, Manga and Wilmots have now found one. However, the name is still being kept secret – it is a Belgian. Smolders and the new man will then be Geraerts’ most important advisors, Sam will take second place – similar to Mike Büskens in recent years, he will continue to be involved with the professionals, but will be given other tasks.
The overview – Schalke’s coaching and functional team
Coach: Karel Geraerts
Assistant coaches: Tim Smolders, Sidney Sam plus a new man
Goalkeeping coach: Stephan Loboué
Athletics coach: Alexander Storck
Directors: Marc Wilmots (sport), Ben Manga (squad planning, scouting, Knappenschmiede)
Head of Sport: René Grotus
Administrative Head of Licensing: Mario Grevelhörster
Team doctors: Dr. Patrick Ingelfinger (Head), Dr. Antonius Antoniadis
Rehabilitation coaches: Marc Thum, Nico Wamig
Analyst: Lorenz Kutscha-Lissberg
Integration officers: Juan Oburu, Joe Miraglia
Equipment managers: Holger Blumenstein, Enrico Heil
Driver: Lars Laser