Schalke have today confirmed that they’ve relieved head coach Christian Gross, sporting director Jochen Scheider, first team coordinator Sascha Reither, fitness coach Werner Leuthard and assistant Rainer Widmayer of their duties with immediate effect.
“Following the two disappointing displays against Dortmund and Stuttgart, these decisions were unavoidable,” said Dr. Jens Buchta, Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
“There’s no need to beat around the bush here: the sporting situation is unambiguous, so we have to think beyond the end of the season with regard to these still outstanding personnel changes. At the same time, responsibility now falls on the team to try and be as successful as possible in the remaining third of the season. The players owe that to the club and to the fans.
“On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Jochen Schneider for his tireless efforts with Schalke 04. We wish him, Christian Gross, Sascha Riether, Werner Leuthard and Rainer Widmayer all the best in their personal and professional lives.”
Peter Knäbel will take over as sporting director for the forseeable future and will be supported by U19s coaches, Norbert Elgert and Mike Büskens.
