Jochen Schneider: A marathon, not a sprint

Schalke’s sporting director is well aware of the skills the new head coach has. “I’m convinced that Christian Gross’ personality, his expertise, his leadership ability and his experience are what’s needed in order to help us reach our goal of staying up,” Jochen Schneider said about the Swiss coach. Eleven years ago, the duo worked together to get VfB Stuttgart out of a similar situation.

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27.12.20, 20:00

Jochen Schneider

Gross took over at VfB in December 2009 with the side sitting in 15th. Following a strong second half to the season, the Swabians ended their campaign in sixth. 

Gross’ experience in guiding a side out of a relegation battle made him the number one option to take over as head coach at Schalke, said Schneider. “It’s definitely an advantage that we have worked together already in the past. I know how Christian works, how he ticks, his leadership style, and how he tries to focus on getting the team to play football during such a difficult situation,” he said.

Christian Gross’ vast experience means that he knows exactly how to give players their confidence back.

Jochen Schneider

With 21 games left to go this Bundesliga season, Schneider said that the path to staying up will not be a sprint. “Instead, it’s a marathon that we have to tackle together. Christian Gross’ vast experience means that he knows exactly how to give players their confidence back,” said Schneider. 

Huub Stevens, who took charge of the team as interim head coach for the last two games, is also convinced of Gross’ abilities. “Christian was also my first choice,” said Stevens, also a member of Schalke’s supervisory board. “He’s got authority, and has proven in the past that he knows how to lead a team, in addition to having a lot of experience as a head coach.”

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