Frank Baumann on the transfer window: We feel well equipped

Frank Baumann on…

…the transfer window:

I’m very happy with the squad. Within the means available to us, we managed to keep every regular starter. We also successfully strengthened the positions we identified as priorities in the spring and summer. We wanted to build a squad capable of competing in the Bundesliga, increase the competition for places and, at the same time, retain the flexibility not to be tied to one particular system. We also wanted to add Bundesliga experience and more players with strong characters. From a sporting perspective, I’m very satisfied.

…the squad’s depth and flexibility:

Having alternatives is particularly important in attack. That’s the area where you’re most likely to make changes during a game because you need fresh energy and a new spark. We therefore wanted a flexible squad that can play in different systems and gives us even greater competition for places. At the same time, we want to be able to bring players off the bench who can change a game.

…the competition for places:

I see it as a strength that we can initially rely on a settled team where the players know each other and the processes are clear. The competition for places will continue to develop now, and ultimately it always comes down to performance. There are a few positions where it’s not yet clear who will ultimately come out on top, and that’s a good thing.

…Hwang’s last-minute arrival:

His name had come up for us a number of times. The opportunity to actually bring him in on loan, and on very favourable terms for us, only arose around midday on Tuesday. At some point, it became clear that we wanted to do it, the player wanted to do it and we basically had an agreement in place. You then think: three hours, that should be more than enough time. But the digital world has its challenges too. In the end, it was incredibly tight. Even at 19:50, we still didn’t know whether it would go through. When we received confirmation that all the documents had been uploaded, there were 35 seconds left. At one stage, we were genuinely worried that we wouldn’t get it done in time. But the staff who handled everything did a fantastic job and ultimately submitted the paperwork before the deadline.

…Hwang’s playing profile:

We’re very confident that our style of football will allow him to bring out his strengths again. He fits the way we want to play: being proactive, working hard out of possession and creating chances after winning the ball back. He also brings a huge amount of experience. He plays with a lot of energy and intensity, enjoys getting on the ball and is always looking to make things happen towards goal. In terms of positions, we see him playing as a number nine or a number ten.

…the players who left the club:

We didn’t achieve all of our objectives in that respect. We spoke to the players at a very early stage and explained that opportunities for playing time could be limited. I would have liked to see another two or three departures. Ultimately, though, any move has to be right for the players. They have contracts with Schalke 04, which we will of course honour. We now have to see whether anything else happens over the next few days or in the winter. The transfer window is still open in a number of countries.

…the impact on the club’s financial position:

We’ve always stressed that we’re well prepared and no longer under the same intense pressure to sell that we were in the past. We don’t have to sell any player and we don’t have to let anyone go for less than their value. That’s a very positive sign. We’ve not only become more stable on the pitch, but have also built a stronger financial foundation. A major transfer would have helped us meet the equity requirement in this calendar year, but there are other options available to us. We can and will find other measures to ensure that we also meet the equity requirements in 2026.