Bernd Schröder: Schalke has to move forward and lead the way

The club’s new CEO, who most recently worked as Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s Marketing Director, stated that he has felt welcome at the Royal Blues during his first few weeks. “I’ve arrived at Schalke – even if I’ve not been able to get to know all members, partners, friends and supporters due to the pandemic and the size of the club. This warm reception isn’t really surprising at a passionate club like this though, but it’s still nice to get it.”

Teamwork an important factor

The graduate economist explained how pleased he was to be part of the board. “We work as a team and that’s part of my management philosophy. Our teamwork has been really positive so far. We have had some really intensive discussions, where each individual has explained their views. That’s good, that’s important – especially when you come to a good solution at the end thanks to everyone’s different perspectives. All of us on the board bring our own knowledge to the table and that makes us stronger.”

Be brave, send out the right signals

The new CEO stressed at the press conference that he mainly wanted to speak about FC Schalke 04, not himself. He took the job in order to lead the club into the future together with the board and the supervisory board. “The aim is clear. Schalke has to move forward and lead the way. Schalke needs to have the bravery to do things. Schalke need to be a guiding light. We need to be strong at football again for the people, for the Schalke fans. We need to make this club and the region strong again for the people and the fans.”

Schröder’s two most important aims are clear: a quick return to the Bundesliga and financial stability in all scenarios. The club’s expenditures cannot exceed the revenues. “We want to define what Schalke stands for and what we want the club to look like in three, five and ten years time,” explained the new CEO.

One thing that Schröder found important during his first few days was introducing himself to the staff members at FC Schalke 04. Due to the pandemic, the meetings with the various departments took place digitally. Schröder stated that he’s already looking forward to be able to meet all of the individuals in person soon in person.

In order to achieve these aims, the club needs stability and direction. “We always need to remain stable, regardless of the emotions shown after a win or a defeat on the weekend. We need passion on the pitch and in the stands – and even more clarity after the final whistle when analysing things. Together with our colleagues and the board, we will create structures and work processes, which are more appropriate in the long term and in a strategic sense.” A strategy isn’t a guarantee for success, said the 55-year-old, but “if you follow a strategy in the long run, you’ve got a great chance of achieving your goals.”

These processes had already begun under Christian Rühl-Hamers and Peter Knäbel. As part of these ongoing processes, Schröder has already got in touch with a number of contacts both within and outside the club, whilst he also has spoken to the members, important partners and sponsors.

Getting to know things

“I’m still currently getting to know things, so it’s still a little early to speak about any concrete decisions,” he explained. That should no longer be the case by the members’ meeting on 12th June.

The other important factor for Schröder is the club’s direction. “This is guided by the Schalke mission statement. However, we need to look closely at the details to know what this all exactly means once put into practice, so that we can make the right decisions regarding the club’s strategy,” said Schröder. “We need a vision and a direction so that we can act accordingly. This bravery to do things has been something that’s made Schalke special.” The 55-year-old is convinced that the board will be capable of this. “If we keep clear heads, have a well though-out plan, have the club’s best interests at heart and we work together in the long run on our joint aims, Schalke will be proud to be Schalke.”