The nerves are on edge at FC Schalke 04. The Pottklub is under enormous pressure, Karel Geraerts’ team is doomed to win. After the defeat in Kiel (0-1), Wiesbaden faces the next difficult task. Will Karel Geraerts pull an ace up his sleeve for the threesome?
For weeks, FC Schalke 04 fans have been demanding that the players from the Knappenschmiede be given more chances. Next weekend a talent could finally get his chance.
FC Schalke 04: Geraerts indicates van der Sloot’s use
Even before the winter break, Steven van der Sloot was about to make his professional debut for S04. The Dutchman was already in the matchday squad against both Osnabrück (4-0) and Fürth (0-0) – but he did not play.
As a result, the right-back moved into the background again. Recently he trained occasionally with the professionals, but mainly he is with Jakob Fimpel’s U23 team. Will he now get a second chance to prove himself with the professionals?
++ FC Schalke 04: Geraerts with a tough announcement to Drexler – “He doesn’t give me what I want” ++
On Tuesday (February 13th) he was in the starting line-up for the U23 game in Ahlen. But after just 60 minutes, van der Sloot was substituted – although he always plays the full distance. The substitution probably came on Geraerts’ instructions. Because the Belgian would like the 21-year-old to be there for the game against Wiesbaden (Saturday, February 17th, 1 p.m.).
“Definitely think about him.”
He confirmed in the press conference on Thursday (February 15) that Geraerts actually asked for van der Sloot to be replaced early. “Yes, I asked if it was possible for him to only play 60 minutes because he definitely plays a role in my thoughts for the weekend,” revealed the S04 coach.
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“It is not yet certain whether he will ultimately be there. But he performed very well in training and drew attention to himself. We’ll see, but I’m definitely thinking about him,” emphasized the Belgian.