Huub Stevens: We will need to show the values that define Schalke

“We are aware of our how precarious the situation is,” said Stevens. After the poor recent form, S04 are only four points clear of VfB Stuttgart, who currently occupy the relegation play-off position. “The whole of Schalke is now challenged, not just the players. We can only come through this together,” explained the Dutchman, referring to the fans as well as the current squad. “We all have to work together and be like a family!”

Mike Büskens: It’s a very serious situation

Mike Büskens, who will become the assistant manager, also shares Stevens’ opinion. “It’s a very serious situation. We can only get through it by working together. I immediately knew that I was ready to help out Huub and the club with my experience,” said the 50-year-old, who recently worked as assistant to Michael Prus for the Germany U15s side. “I would like to thank ‘Magic’ Prus for allowing me to make this move,” commented Büskens.

Just like Büskens, Stevens didn’t take long to think about coming back after he was asked to help the club by the supervisory board. He added: “I wouldn’t have done this for any other club.” Stevens is back to full health, after having to leave his last job with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in Feburary 2016 due to health reasons. “I’m feeling good right now, otherwise I wouldn’t have taken this role,” stated the coach, who has also been a part of the supervisory board since June 2018.

Clear their heads

Stevens and his coaching team will not have much time with the squad to prepare them for the game against Leipzig. “Our first job is to clear their heads,” he explained. “What matters now is the future, not the past. We will need to show the values that define Schalke against Leipzig.” By that he means passion and fight. If the team can bring those values onto the pitch, they will have a chance to upset the current third-placed team in the Bundesliga.

Stevens wasn’t prepared to reveal any details of his starting XI. “Firstly I have to get my own idea of the squad.” He then added with a grin that one thing is for sure: there will be eleven players on the pitch. This was a typical Stevens answer in a press conference, just like he did in his previous spells at the club.

One thing Stevens was sure to do was to thank Domenico Tedesco for his work at the club. “He worked really hard here and had a lot of success. I was in contact with him and spoke to him for a long time. We will remain friends,” said the Dutchman.