FC Schalke 04 is parting ways with head coach Thomas Reis with immediate effect. The second division soccer team announced this on Wednesday. The decision was the result of an “in-depth analysis from the past few days,” it said.
The previous assistant coach Matthias Kreutzer will take over responsibility until further notice. The Bundesliga relegated team is in 16th place after seven match days, Reis only won two wins with four defeats and one draw.
On Saturday, the Royal Blues lost 3-1 at FC St. Pauli, after which defense chief Timo Baumgartl indirectly criticized Reis’ tactics. Assistant coach Markus Gellhaus was also released. “After morale’s victory against Magdeburg, our expectation was that we would see further progress at St. Pauli. Instead, we had to accept a significant step backwards,” explains Peter Knäbel, member of the board and responsible for sports.
“We have used the last few days for intensive consultations and have come to the conclusion that we have to take this step now in the interests of the club. Our goal is to break the overall negative trend since the start of the season,” said Knäbel.
Sports director André Hechelmann explained: “Our common goal is to go into the international break with a positive feeling. Matthias Kreutzer enjoys our full trust and we will support him with all our resources. At the same time, we are working on a successor solution.”