At FC Schalke 04, the development curve under Thomas Reis has shown an upward trend recently. Club icon Huub Stevens praises the coach for this.

Four times in a row 0-0, then the redemptive home win against VfB Stuttgart: Before the small derby with VfL Bochum on Saturday (3.30 pm), faith in FC Schalke 04’s ability to stay in the relegation zone has returned.

For club icon Huub Stevens, the Königsblauen’s upswing is closely linked to coach Thomas Reis. The coach has given the team “a signature that is becoming increasingly clear – both defensively and offensively”, Stevens told Kicker.

The 69-year-old “really liked” the first half of the 2-1 win against Stuttgart. S04 led 2-0 at the break and just managed to hold on to the lead after an early goal in the second half. You could see that “the players quickly start to shake when things get tight after a lead”, said Stevens.

Schalke’s “coach of the century” stressed: “Fear is always a bad advisor – with Reis I have the feeling that he is not guided by fear at all.” The 49-year-old’s experience as a coach is noticeable, Stevens explained. “He radiates calmness and aplomb, has clear ideas, doesn’t shy away from tough decisions and has the courage to take risks. “

So the players’ confidence in the coach and their own abilities would increase. A little over a month ago, the Knappen were already considered to be down, but now the team makes a “stable impression on Stevens. They are now able to compensate for personnel losses well, and above all I see players who can cope with setbacks together and stand up for each other.