Preseason programme: Gelsenkirchen, Herzlake and Austria

In order to guarantee the utmost safety for all those involved in the first team, players, coaches and backroom staff will be tested for Covid-19 ahead of the first training session. Two tests will be carried out under the supervision of team doctor and hygiene representative Dr. Patrick Ingelfinger. In general, all hygiene criteria will be strictly observed.

Short training camp in Herzlake, followed by nine days in Längenfeld

Just like last summer, the Royal Blues will set up camp in Herzlake in the early preseason. The squad will be using the time between 7 and 10 August in Emsland to work on the essentials. This short training camp will include the first friendly of preseason, against VfL Osnabrück. On 21 August, Schalke travel to Austria for the second training camp until 29 August. Due to a schedule clash, the training camp trip will not be to Schalke’s partner, National Park Hohe Tauern in Mittersill, but to Längenfeld, where the team will play three friendlies in total.

All of the preseason plans have been significantly influenced by the corona pandemic. The virus has led to several special circumstances and limitations, meaning the opening training session at Berger Feld will sadly take place without spectators. Fans can still „be a part of it“ with our free live stream, including commentary and a surprise guest.

Due to local restrictions, fans will unfortunately not be able to watch the training sessions in Herzlake. Due to the unstable pandemic situation and local regulations, we are unable to say whether this will be possible for the sessions in Austria. In principle, FC Schalke 04 will make all decisions in agreement with local and regional authorities with the aim of finding the most fan-friendly solutions, provided they comply with pandemic and risk assessments.

For both training camps, the situation is such that larger events (e.g. the traditional ‚Blue-White Night‘) will unfortunately not take place – another case of the pandemic thwarting Schalke’s plans. The Supporter Relations Department will be fans‘ contact persons. The department is currently working on possible alternatives and will be with the team at the camp in Austria.

Friendly live streams

The exact scheduling of the friendlies, as well as the decision on where they will take place, may be announced at short notice. The club is currently working on concepts to allow a small contingent of spectators, at least at some of the friendlies. Here too, the health and safety of all concerned is paramount. All pre-season fixtures will be streamed live, while the club will strive to give fans as much insight as possible on the club website on social media channels.

Please note: Due to the unstable situation regarding corona pandemic developments, any of these dates and any future dates can be rescheduled or cancelled at short-notice. These will be communicated as quickly as possible.