Huub Stevens: Winning is the best medicine

The man who was voted head coach of the FC Schalke 04 team of the century believes that there is quality in the side and that they need one thing above all: a win. “That’s the best medicine for a footballer,” says Stevens. The current situation isn’t comparable with the one from spring 2019, when he stepped in as interim head coach, according to Stevens. “We’re right down there and the side has little confidence, so it’s a more serious situation than it was last time.”

Despite that, he didn’t hesitate for a second when Head of Sport Jochen Schneider asked him to take charge of the games against Bielefeld and Ulm. Stevens: “My heart still beats blue and white. When the club turns to me in difficult times, I can’t say no.”

Wish Manuel Baum the best

Schneider is pleased that Stevens immediately agreed to help. At the same time, he underlines what the team is being asked of now. “The team now need to turn things around so that we can finish this tough year with two wins,” says the Head of Sport.

The 50-year-old also expressed regret that Manuel Baum had to be relieved of his duties as head coach. “I wish Manuel all the best. He’s worked meticulously and unbelievably hard over the last few weeks and months, and he’s tried everything to bring success back to Schalke. Sadly, it hasn’t worked out,” says Schneider. “In the end, the question was whether we thought that we could get the points needed to stay in the Bundesliga if we carried on down the same path. We weren’t convinced anymore.”

Stevens has already spoken to the team

Stevens got straight to work as interim head coach. Even before the first training session and official press conference, he held several talks – including with the whole squad and the team leadership. Conversations with individuals will follow ahead of the game against Bielefeld. The 67-year-old has also spoken to Manuel Baum. “He’s obviously downbeat, that’s completely normal,” says Stevens. “I wish him all the best and good luck for the future.”

Stevens will work with the current coaching staff, as well as Mike Büskens, to prepare for both the Bundesliga game against Bielefeld and the second-round DFB-Pokal match on Tuesday (22/12) against SSV Ulm 1846.

Trio still injured, question mark on Mascarell

Just like against Freiburg, Frederik Rönnow, Goncalo Paciencia and Mark Uth will miss the game due to injury. There is a question mark on Omar Mascarell. The Spaniard was subbed off against Freiburg after picking up a knock. “I’m hoping Omar recovers in time but it’s not looking too good,” says Stevens.