For a long time, FC Schalke 04 held on to their coach, Dimitrios Grammozis, who has now been released. A comment.
Actually, it is commendable when a club decides, against the conventions of business and public pressure, to express their trust in a coach even in critical phases. Especially when FC Schalke 04where the coaching chair has resembled an ejection seat in recent years.
But when looking at the separation of Dimitrios Grammozis the situation is different. It should be noted here: This step was unavoidable – and may come too late. Because the big goal, the Bundesliga return, is more than at risk. And Schalke should try by all means to achieve promotion. Even if it comes at the expense of the consistency that is actually needed on the sidelines.
That this project will succeed with Grammozis, the belief in it has recently dwindled more and more. In this respect, the exemption was the last lever to attack again in the promotion race. Those responsible communicated this as well. However, they waited a long time before making their decision, perhaps even too long. The deficit on the promotion ranks could grow to six points on Sunday – with only nine games remaining.
Hardly any argument still spoke for Grammozis. As a relegation coach, he had a difficult time anyway. Due to his personnel decisions, he increasingly came under the crossfire of fan criticism over the course of the season. In terms of football, Schalke did not develop visibly under his direction. The team has seldom shone this season. The club scored its points mainly because of the individual class in the squad.
Schalke’s last shot must sit
Already in the first half of the season there were neuralgic points, for example after the 2: 4 at home against Darmstadt, where those responsible could have reacted. But they continued to trust the coach.
Werder Bremen showed what a change of coach can do. After Ole Werner took over there, Schalke’s fellow relegators and previous problem child blossomed into the number one candidate for promotion.
But it is also clear – and the list of examples is long: A new coach does not automatically bring success. With the Grammozis separation, those responsible also took pressure off the team. Now she has to deliver. Whoever succeeds Grammozis: In order to attack again at the top, Schalke’s last shot has to be right.
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