To the fans and members of FC Schalke 04

Dear members and fans, Our club currently finds itself in a situation like nothing that any of us have ever experienced before. In particular, the situation on the pitch is more serious than ever before. The fact that we have not won any of our last 26 Bundesliga games is painful for all of us. We know how much you are suffering. So much so that some of you have turned away from your beloved club over the last months, be it out of despair, out of anger or out of a lack of understanding.

Over the past years, there have been several painful mistakes made by the club, especially in terms of sporting and financial matters – there’s no question about that. Inevitably, this has led to a loss of trust. We are working on these mistakes.

Despite everything, the next months will see us face challenges that will require us to give everything we have. The utmost priority is the performance of our team in the Bundesliga. We need to end this winless run as soon as possible, in order to pick up much-needed points and to avoid relegation. Let us make it clear: staying in the Bundesliga is a decisive step towards ensuring our financial stability, especially with an eye on the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic. We firmly believe that we will be able to accomplish this. Giving up has, and never will be, an option for Schalke!

We fully understand your discontent about the current situation. You have every right to loudly criticize us at this time. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus pandemic is preventing you from being at the VELTINS-Arena in order to cheer on our team – or, to let us know loud and clear when things aren’t going well.

However, there is one thing that we cannot accept. No individual and no group are above the well-being of the club. FC Schalke 04 has always stood for a culture of open discussion and intense communication between the fans, members and officials. This should and will remain the case, but it must exist on a foundation of fair cooperation and the will to engage in objective dialogue. We have always offered the latter, and will continue to do so in the future.

However, singling out individuals and placing the blame solely on their shoulders crosses the line. To quote our legendary coach Huub Stevens: “It’s not about the individual, it’s always about the team.” That remains the case, and the club now needs all of our support.

At the very latest, everything will be able to be discussed at the next general members meeting. The aim is to host an in-person meeting. However, with an eye on the ever-changing dynamics of the Coronavirus pandemic, we fear that it could take some time until this is possible. We have of course noticed that the contact from dressing room discussions, fan club visits and meet-ups have all been sorely missing. We will therefore be organising more opportunities for virtual discussions in the near future.

Our priority is staying up, followed by the general members meeting, which will include debates and committee elections. The only thing that matters from now until the end of May, is staying in the top flight.

In order for that to happen, we need your support and the solidarity that has always defined the Royal Blues. Together is the only way that we will be able to stay in the Bundesliga, which is where our club belongs. This goal must take priority over everything else. “Together for FC Schalke 04” must be the motto guiding us through the decisive months to come. We need all of your support. We can only do this together.

Signed,
The FC Schalke 04 board of directors

To the fans and members of FC Schalke 04

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