“Shitty situation” – Schalke is fighting the crisis and a matter of mind

Visibly disappointed, Edin Dzeko and his teammates trotted across the lawn. Many fans had already left the arena when the remaining FC Schalke 04 supporters tried once again to encourage Dzeko and the other players. “Let’s go Schalke, fight and win,” was the sound from the north curve. However, the promoted team is still waiting for a win in front of their home crowd – as well as for their first home goal of the season.

"We have to get out of there together. It's a shitty situation," said goalkeeper Loris Karius on Sky after the 2-0 defeat against RB Leipzig. Once again the keeper was one of Schalke's best and saved his team from an even greater defeat with several strong saves. "It doesn't get any easier. We have to work, work, work. Score goals, score goals, score goals," demanded Karius.

After only scoring four goals in the league so far, Schalke coach Miron Muslic reacted and switched from a five-man defense chain to a four-man defense chain. “We have to have the courage to change things structurally so that we can still get two legs up front,” emphasized the coach after the final whistle. The change in system led to more switching situations, but the Royal Blues continued to lack consistency in the final third.

With the sporting crisis, the pressure also increases. “I think it’s just starting in the head,” said defensive professional Timo Becker. The ultimate conviction is missing. “We may not dare to take the final step yet because we know that the last few games weren’t that special and we need points now.”

The team needs to play more freely again. "It's all in the head. We have to work to become freer. But we'll manage it."

Despite the difficult situation, coach Muslic tried to identify positive approaches and support his team. "We took a step forward today, even if the step was very, very small. But in our situation it may no longer be possible at the moment," said the 44-year-old. But he didn't want to blame his team: "We tried everything within our means."

However, these possibilities are currently not enough for anything countable. The team has scored an average of 0.5 goals per game in the eight Bundesliga games so far and is stuck in the relegation zone. "We knew that it would be difficult for us and that such phases would come. We have to stay calm. Nothing else will help us," demanded captain Kenan Karaman. At Schalke, “a lot of emotions always play a role and there is a lot of pressure.”

Just as most fans are behind the team despite the lack of form, coach Muslic also continues to enjoy the trust of his players. “He finds the right words and knows how to analyze such situations,” Becker praised his coach. The coach and team have a week to work up. Against TSG Hoffenheim next Sunday (7.30 p.m./DAZN), a sense of achievement should clear your head and give you new self-confidence.