Ten days before the end of the transfer period, Schalke 04 have not completed their squad planning. Sporting director André Hechelmann offers some insight.

No, FC Schalke 04’s start to the second league season cannot be described as successful.

After only three points from the first three games, the Königsblauen are already under pressure ahead of the home match against Holstein Kiel on Friday evening (18.30, Sky). The injuries to Kenan Karaman and Dominick Drexler certainly won’t help to lift their spirits.

But possibly further reinforcements. The transfer window is still open until 1 September. And S04 still wants to be active. “We are active on the market,” says sporting director André Hechelmann (38) in a media round on Tuesday. “We have our priorities and a plan we want to implement, but we will remain calm and not fall into actionism. “

We have our priorities and a plan that we want to implement, but will remain calm and not fall into actionism

Andre Hechelmann

However, these plans are not linked to the mixed start to the season or the injury worries. Hechelmann affirms that those responsible at Schalke are completely convinced of the personnel currently available. “The team has to find itself, then we have to play successful football and achieve results.”

And yet something is still to happen. The search focus is on defensive players. In particular, Hechelmann would like to see another left-back in the Schalker ranks. It is true that Thomas Ouwejan enjoys the “full confidence” of those responsible. But it is also about creating a competitive situation for the Dutchman.

Right defender or centre-back? A new arrival for the right side of defence would also be conceivable, possibly also another centre-back – or a player who can be used flexibly in defence.

According to Hechelmann, there is less pressure to act in the offensive department. Schalke is already well-staffed in the centre of attack with Simon Terodde and Sebastian Polter, but the personnel cover on the flanks seems thinner.

How does Hechelmann see it? “I don’t feel that we are not well enough manned up front,” he says. Nevertheless, he does not want to rule out another signing. Schalke’s interest in winger Tim Skarke, who was already on loan from Union Berlin in the last second half of the season, is well known. The only thing is: “It has to be feasible and realistic.

Perhaps another departure will create space in the squad and budget. That doesn’t seem unthinkable. “The transfer market is not a one-way street,” says Hechelmann.