T4O’s season preview series continues, as we keep giving you the latest season insights from the top dogs of the Bundesliga and their chances in the league this upcoming season. We have already previewed Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in our previous pieces’, this time, it’s about Dortmund’s fierce rivals: FC Schalke!
Schalke, mainly on the lookout for redemption, after faltering in the mid-table places in these past two seasons have hit the reset button this summer. Lack of identity, ultimately resulting in poor performances and mediocre seasons has been the story for the Royal Blues. However, the club has brutally dismissed the previous coach Markus Weinzierl and appointed 32-year-old, inexperienced yet talented Domenico Tedesco this summer. So can the Ruhr giants finally manage to get back among the Bundesliga elites next season?
Expectations: Top 4 finish could be a legitimate target for Schalke, who despite having poor seasons in the past, have neglected to spend all out in the market this summer. Considering the talent they have, coupled with the club’s image, it’s given that no less than a Champions League place will be acceptable. However, one really shouldn’t expect too much, as the club will once again, be in a transitional period, meaning the coach might take a little time to implement his tactics onto the new players.
Key Players: There are many key players for Schalke out there but no one tops it more than Leon Goretzka. Schalke’s midfield engine is on the back of some serious transfer speculation but Goretzka has so far, remained put on his future with the Royal Blues. He is currently the best midfielder Schalke have, and coach Domenico Tedesco, without a doubt, will look to build the system around the 22-year-old. Benedikt Howedes also is a crucial part of Schalke defence. The 29-year-old has been around the Ruhrpott for many years now and is one of the best interior defenders in the Bundesliga.
Breel Embolo is another one fans will expect to perform. The Swiss International hasn’t really kicked off with his new team as of yet. Under the guidance of a new coach, this could finally prove to be the breakout season for young Embolo. While, frontman Guido Burgstaller desperately needs to continue his scoring form in the Bundesliga, as the team lacks some depth in the offensive department.
One to look out for: Among all the other players, it would be the young centre-back Thilo Kehrer, who is sure to catch the eye next season. Kehrer had his breakout season last term when he featured in quite a lot of matches under Markus Weinzierl. His defensive versatility makes him one of the handiest players for coach Domenico Tedesco. Fans will hope that he can make the big breakthrough – as die Konigsblauen lack some quality in the defensive department. New signing Amine Harit, is another player, worth keeping an eye on.
Strengths: Their strength would be their pressing scheme under Domenico Tedesco. Die Knappen are expected to implement a high pressing game, which is very well executed by other young coaches such as Julian Nagelsmann, Ralph Hassenhuttle amongst many others. We can expect the defence to perform a lot better while the packed midfield in shape of Johannes Geis, Max Meyer, Leon Goretzka, Benjamin Stambouli and Nabil Bentaleb will offer Tedesco a lot of options to choose from.
Weaknesses: Offensive futility will surely be a cause for concern for the new coach. With the departure of Schalke legend Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, the onus on Guido Burgstaller and Franco Di Santo will be more than ever now. Di Santo has been totally a flop, ever since he arrived at the Veltins Arena, a couple of seasons ago. That being said, other attackers, such as Breel Embolo, Yevhen Konoplyanka also need to step up their game, to help their team score more goals.
One to deteriorate: We might see the end of Atsuto Uchida next season. The Japanese fullback has been constantly out injured in the past few seasons. There are even question marks over his initial quality as a player, so due to lack of appearances, Schalke may be forced to ship the 29-year-old elsewhere next summer or even in winter.
End of season predictions
Bundesliga: 6th
DFB Pokal: Quarter Finals
