The 4:0 win for Schalke 04 against VfL Osnabrück resulted in one loser: Sebastian Polter. The striker could leave in the winter.
FC Schalke 04 can still win after all. After disappointing performances of late, the Gelsenkirchen side deservedly won their home match against second division bottom side VfL Osnabrück 4:0. The reaction of the Schalke fans to the negative series and the terrible style of play had been eagerly awaited – but they remained neutral. The Ultras Gelsenkirchen merely presented a poster with the inscription “No ifs and buts – tear it up for three points” and gave the professionals the chant “Let’s Schalke fight and win” during the warm-up – and the Royal Blues did just that.
At least that took some of the pressure off the team. For our reporters Andreas Ernst and Robin Haack and presenter Sinan Sat, however, one thing is clear: this victory was only the first small step out of the crisis. In the new episode of 19:04 – der Schalke-Talk, the three talk about the still precarious situation and the prospects for the Royal Blues.
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 substituted before him. Schalke coach Karel Geraerts is not relying on Polter. Is his time with the Royal Blues over? “He’s in last place in the striker rankings, even Keke Topp is brought in ahead of 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 can’t show that at the moment. I can imagine that they will part ways in the winter because Geraerts doesn’t back him and Polter is one of the top earners in this team,” believes Haack.
Polter advisor Branko Panic recently complained via “Sport Bild” about the ex-Bochum player’s reserve role. “Everyone at Schalke knows his qualities. Maybe the new coach will soon too,” he says. Bild names 1. FC Köln and Fortuna Düsseldorf as possible suitors for Polter for a transfer in the winter.