2nd league
A duel that electrifies: Schalke and HSV under pressure
The Schalke fans are hoping for a win against HSV. photo
© Jan Woitas/dpa
What a game! Schalke against HSV in the 2nd league is much more interesting than some first division kicks. But both clubs have problems. However, they are currently very different.
Together more than 280,000 members, 13 German championships, eight Cup victories and three European Cup triumphs: The traditional second division duel between FC Schalke 04 and Hamburger SV on Saturday evening (8.30 p.m./Sport1 and Sky) is much more electrifying nationwide than many Bundesliga kicks.
But only around 62,000 spectators can watch the game live in the Gelsenkirchen Arena. FC Schalke could have sold far more cards.
“The tradition of this encounter alone and the fact that we are allowed to play in front of more than 60,000 spectators works for itself. We are really keen to play there and are well prepared for it,” said coach Tim Walter from third-placed HSV. Such a tradition is sometimes sought in vain in the upper house of German football. On the afternoon before the duel between the major second division clubs, 1. FC Heidenheim plays against VfL Wolfsburg in the first division in front of a maximum of 15,000 spectators.
Money available in Hamburg
There are of course reasons why Schalke and HSV are no longer playing for European Cup participation according to their self-perception. After years of mismanagement and questionable management decisions, HSV is now struggling for promotion again in the sixth year after its first relegation to the second division.
The Hamburgers haven’t run out of money during this time, on the contrary: before this season alone, the club received another convertible loan of 30 million euros from its patron Klaus-Michael Kühne until 2028.
As a result, HSV, despite its constant failure in the promotion race, was able to keep players ready for the first division such as Robert Glatzel, Ludovit Reis and Bakery Jatta. And in the last two years he has almost only brought in players who came from the first division or actually wanted to be in the first division.
Such investments are currently unthinkable at Schalke. The heavily indebted Revierclub was hit hard by the sporting crash after the runner-up in 2018 – when HSV was relegated – with its costs at the time at Champions League level. Schalke barely survived the pandemic, the club is pursuing a tough austerity policy that the fans are also feeling: During the winter break, beer prices in the stadium were increased by a good ten percent.
As with many other former Bundesliga clubs apart from HSV, the following formula applies after relegation: either you can get back up within two to a maximum of three years – or you have to get down to business structurally.
S04 far from the climb
Schalke is a long way from promotion, at least this season. After a partially catastrophic first half with coach Thomas Reis taking leave of absence, successor Karel Geraerts’ team is three points above the relegation zone before the start of the second half of the season. Despite the precarious sporting situation, the Royal Blues have not yet been able to afford any reinforcements. “I’m relaxed and have confidence in the current squad,” said Geraerts, who sees his team in a position to stand up to HSV after good impressions from the winter break.
Instead of investing, they are relying on emotions at Schalke. The spectacular return of club icon Marc Wilmots as the new sports director created a spirit of optimism. He made it clear that he didn’t want to dwell on the second division’s relegation battle for long: “We will do everything we can to get promoted.” He left it open when.
For HSV, however, nothing else matters. Even a defeat in his 100th game as HSV coach could weaken Walter’s position again. Sports director Jonas Boldt stuck with him despite the unstable first half of the season. Nevertheless, the coach is more outnumbered than strengthened. “I’ve experienced a lot of things here. I’ve often said that pressure is a privilege. And that’s why I’m happy to be privileged,” said Walter.