News Overview

2-2 draw in friendly against FC Aarau

FC Schalke 04 drew 2-2 away at FC Aarau in a friendly on Saturday evening. The Swiss second-division side became a partner club of the Royal Blues this year. A total of 7,525 spectators attended the match, which was also head coach Kees van Wonderen’s first in charge of S04, as his side fought their way back to equalise twice.

Friendly

Matthias Tillmann: We had clear criteria when searching for a new coach

In a selection process with several candidates, Kees van Wonderen ultimately came out on top when the club were looking for a new head coach. “There were several really good candidates when it came to their tactics and skills, but you ultimately need someone that will connect with the team and get them behind them and their ideas,” said Matthias Tillmann, who believes that the new head coach will do just that.

Inside

Ibrahima Cissé receives first senior call-up to the Mali national squad

The first week of training under new coach Kees van Wonderen is underway. However, he will be without four players for Tuesday’s training session (8/10).

Team

Kees van Wonderen: You can only improve if you push one another to be better

After watching the 2-2 draw against Hertha BSC on Saturday night (5/10) live at the VELTINS-Arena, Kees van Wonderen signed his contract to become the club’s new head coach a day later.

Inside

Kees van Wonderen is the new head coach of FC Schalke 04

The Royal Blues have announced a new head coach as the international break begins, with Kees van Wonderen taking over as head coach of FC Schalke 04 with immediate effect. The 55-year-old has signed a contract until the summer of 2026 and will get underway with a first training session on Monday (7/10). He will be supported by Robert Molenaar, who joins the existing coaching staff.

Team

Jakob Fimpel: It was an intense game from the outset

Following the 2-2 draw in Saturday evening’s clash against Hertha BSC, interim head coach Jakob Fimpel looked back at the intense affair alongside opposite number Christian Fiél. Kenan Karaman and Ron Schallenberg also weighed in with their thoughts on the match.

2. Bundesliga

Schalke and Hertha split points in Gelsenkirchen

FC Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC played out a 2-2 draw at the VELTINS-Arena on Saturday evening (5/10). The guests managed to draw level in the second half thanks to a penalty.

2. Bundesliga

Jakob Fimpel: We need to put them under pressure

Saturday night’s home game against Hertha BSC is a football fixture steeped in tradition. The Royal Blues under interim coach Jakob Fimpel are hoping to kick on from last week’s 2-1 away in Münster.

2. Bundesliga

SV Ried to become a partner club of FC Schalke 04

Austrian second-division side SV Ried will enter into a partnership agreement with FC Schalke 04, becoming the club's third international partner club. The Royal Blues had previously announced a partnership with VVV-Venlo in early June, with Emmanuel Gyamfi and Paul Pöpperl joining the club on loan soon after. A few weeks later, Schalke announced another partnership with FC Aarau, who they will face in a friendly on 12th October.

Inside

Tim Albutat still training with the first team

On Tuesday morning (1/10), the Royal Blues began preparations for Saturday’s home game against Hertha BSC (5/10). Several players were missing at the start of the week.

2. Bundesliga

Moussa Sylla: I gambled on the goalkeeper not holding onto the ball

Moussa Sylla hasn’t needed much time to get up to speed auf Schalke, scoring six goals in his first seven games. The Mali international fired home his second brace of the season in the 2-1 away win in Münster on Saturday (28/9). “I’m happy to have been able to score two goals and to have helped the team that way,” said the 24-year-old. “I always work very hard on my game and will keep giving my all in training to get even better.”

2. Bundesliga

Jakob Fimpel: A classic hard-fought win

Interim coach Jakob Fimpel was able to celebrate a victory in his first game in charge on Saturday (28/9). Following the 2-1 win in Münster, Fimpel and his opposite number Sascha Hildmann reflected on the match. Captain Kenan Karaman and Ron Schallenberg also gave their thoughts after the final whistle.

2. Bundesliga