Schalke 04’s 4-0 win over VfL Osnabrück produced one loser: Sebastian Polter. The striker could leave in winter.
FC Schalke 04 can still win after all. Following a string of disappointing performances, the Gelsenkirchen-based club deservedly won their home game against second-division bottom club VfL Osnabrück 4-0. The reaction of the Schalke fans to the negative run and the terrible play had been eagerly awaited, but they remained neutral. The Ultras Gelsenkirchen simply presented a banner with the slogan “No ifs, no buts – tear them apart for three points” and sent the pros off with the chant “Come on Schalke, fight and win” during the warm-up – and that’s exactly what the Royal Blues did.
At least some of the pressure has been taken off the team. For our reporters Andreas Ernst and Robin Haack, as well as presenter Sinan Sat, one thing is clear: this victory was only a small first step out of the crisis. In the new episode of 19:04 – the Schalke Talk, the three discuss the still precarious situation and the Royal Blues’ prospects.
They also talk about the situation of Schalke striker Sebastian Polter (32). The experienced striker did not play against Osnabrück, with even young striker Keke Topp coming on ahead of him. Schalke coach Karel Geraerts is not counting on Polter. Is his time with the Royal Blues over? “He’s at the bottom of the striker rankings, even Keke Topp is being brought on ahead of him,” notes S04 expert Robin Haack.
A departure during the winter break cannot therefore be ruled out. “Sebastian Polter has the ambition to be a regular player and even a leader in the 2nd Bundesliga. He is currently unable to demonstrate that. I can imagine that the two parties will part ways in the winter because Geraerts is not counting on him and Polter is one of the top earners in this team,” believes Haack.
Polter’s agent Branko Panic recently complained to Sport Bild about the former Bochum player’s role as a reserve. “Everyone at Schalke knows his qualities. Maybe the new coach will too, soon,” he said. Bild names 1. FC Köln and Fortuna Düsseldorf as possible destinations for Polter in a winter transfer.