Schalke have sacked manager Manuel Baum after just three months in charge. Baum replaced David Wagner in September but has failed the stem the slippery slope Schalke are on.
Schalke are winless in 28 Bundesliga matches. The current record is 31 and Schalke are heading in the direction to break that record. Its been a horrendous 2020 for the club and now the search will begin for their third manager of the season and we are not even halfway through the 2020/21 season.
Manuel Baum Sacked by Schalke
Failure to Win Matches the Decisive Factor
Baum isn’t solely to blame for Schalke’s rotten start to the season. The club is rotten through the core and is experiencing on and off-field problems.
Four points from their first 13 league games is simply woeful for a side basked in football history. Unsurprisingly, they sit bottom of the table, six points from safety. Relegation is staring the Gelsenkirchen side in the face if things don’t majorly improve. Baum ultimately couldn’t stop the rot and has paid the price as Schalke’s decline continues.
A club statement read: “The home game against Arminia Bielefeld is hugely important for our club. The disappointing performance against SC Freiburg showed us that the side requires new impetus to be successful in this game.
“We thank Manuel Baum for his tireless work and wish him both personally and professionally the best for the future.”
Huub Stevens Back for Another Crack at Schalke
The club have acted quickly and re-appointed Huub Stevens. Stevens is back for a fourth spell at Schalke. However, it is unclear how long he will be in charge for.
He will oversee this weekend’s final Bundesliga game of 2020 against fellow strugglers Arminia Bielefeld. Stevens will also oversee their DFB Pokal tie against SSV Ulm. The experienced Dutchman is no stranger to the Bundesliga or indeed Schalke. He, more than anyone, will be desperate to turn the tide and get Schalke motoring in the right direction.
The club have also confirmed Mike Buskens will return as Stevens’ assistant manager. Former Schalke defender Naldo, who was Manuel Baum’s assistant, will remain on the coaching team.
Schalke to Announce Permanent Successor to Baum Soon
The club have confirmed a permanent appointment will be made during the winter break. Schalke face their final league game of 2020 and a cup tie before a two-week break. Schalke are likely to use that time to appoint a new manager.
Stevens has stepped down from the boardroom to oversee the final games of the year. It is unclear at this stage whether he wants the job on a full-time basis.
One thing that is for sure, whoever takes over the Schalke job has a huge task ahead. Things have to improve and fast otherwise relegation will become a distinctive reality.
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