The indebted Bundesliga football club FC Schalke 04 is currently planning for the 1st and 2nd divisions.

“We are armed for the eventuality,” said sporting director Peter Knäbel in view of the threat of relegation on pay-TV channel Sky. Knäbel is more hopeful than ever after the first Bundesliga win in three and a half months of staying in the league, but also said: “You plan for both.”

The Gelsenkirchen sporting director reiterated that Thomas Reis would definitely coach the team next season. Thomas Reis “will remain our coach” in the 2nd division as well, Knäbel said. After the last four goalless draws and the 2-1 win against VfB Stuttgart, Schalke remain in last place in the table, where the promoted team has been without interruption since the eleventh matchday.