FC Schalke presented itself desolately at 1. FC Kaiserslautern. After the 1:4, striker Kenan Karaman found clear words.

That was nothing. FC Schalke made a fool of themselves in the basement duel at 1. FC Kaiserslautern. With 1:4 (0:1) the team of coach Karel Geraerts went down at the Betzenberg. Kenan Karaman spoke plainly after this non-performance.

The offensive player faced critical questions in the Sky interview and seemed stunned: “It’s very difficult to find the right words. We had big plans.” But there was no sign of that in the second half.

“We weren’t there in the duels, Kaiserslautern was more effective and always one step faster.”

The 1-1 equalizer by returnee Darko Churlinov did not change that. Schalke promptly conceded the goal again.

“Then we fall apart, that must not happen. We had a good feeling in the preparation, but that does not count, but when it comes to the three points.” He then settled the score with the whole team.

“Everyone has to look at themselves in the mirror now. We don’t have to dream about climbing a few places, we have to work our asses off against Braunschweig.” When asked whether everyone had recognized the seriousness of the situation, Karaman answered surprisingly honestly.

“Not as I felt it today, no.” Karaman also fully understood the prematurely ended support of the Schalke fans and the ‘We’ve had enough’ chants. ‘They travel here five or six hours from Gelsenkirchen and we’re not pulling our weight here.’

The next opponent is Eintracht Braunschweig. The Lower Saxony team is currently in the relegation spot, one place behind Schalke. With a win on Sunday (January 29, 1:30 p.m.) against Magdeburg, Braunschweig could draw level with Schalke in terms of points.