Schalke 04’s 4-0 win over VfL Osnabrück produced a loser: Sebastian Polter. The striker could leave in the winter.
FC Schalke 04 can still win. After a series of disappointing performances, the Gelsenkirchen team earned a 4-0 home win over VfL Osnabrück, which is at the bottom of the second division. The reaction of the Schalke fans to the negative streak and the terrible way they had been playing was eagerly awaited – but they remained neutral. The Ultras Gelsenkirchen merely presented a banner with the inscription “Without ifs and buts – tear it up for three points” and chanted the chant “Let’s go Schalke, fight and win” to the professionals during the warm-up – and that’s what the Royal Blues did.
At least some of the pressure has been taken off the team. Nevertheless, our reporters Andreas Ernst and Robin Haack, as well as moderator Sinan Sat, are clear: this victory was only a first small step out of the crisis. In the new episode of 19:04 – the Schalke talk, the three talk about the still precarious situation and the royal blue prospects.
They also discuss the situation of Schalke striker Sebastian Polter (32). The experienced attacker did not play against Osnabrück; even young striker Keke Topp was brought on before him. Schalke coach Karel Geraerts is not relying on Polter. Is his time with the Royal Blues over? “He is at the bottom of the striker ranking, even Keke Topp is brought in before him,” notes S04 expert Robin Haack.
A separation during the winter break can therefore not be ruled out. “Sebastian Polter has the ambition to be a regular and even a leading player in the Bundesliga 2. He is currently unable to show that. I can imagine that the paths will separate in winter because Geraerts is not relying on him and Polter is one of the top earners in this team,” Haack believes.
Polter’s agent Branko Panic recently complained to Sport Bild about the ex-Bochum player’s role on the bench. “Everyone at Schalke knows his qualities. Maybe the new coach will too soon,” he says. 1. FC Köln and Fortuna Düsseldorf have been mentioned by Bild as possible destinations for Polter in a winter transfer.