Since Mike Büskens has been in charge on the sidelines at FC Schalke, the Royal Blues have been riding a wave of success. Five wins in a row have catapulted the miners to the top of the table in the 2nd Bundesliga, and Simon Terodde and Co. are the top favorites for the exciting final sprint in the lower house. But how did it even come about? Five reasons for the upswing!
1. Success factor of FC Schalke 04: Büskens’ measures are having an effect
With their decision to sack Dimitrios Grammozis, who had been counted for a long time, and to replace him with the previous assistant coach Mike Büskens, those responsible for Schalke around sports director Rouven Schröder made the right decision.
The legendary Eurofighter, who missed his first game as boss on the sidelines in Ingolstadt due to the corona virus, has made many right decisions so far, both tactically and in terms of personnel.
His move to abolish the triple chain preferred by Grammozis has proven to be wise. Both in the 4-4-2 with double six and in the recently practiced 4-2-3-1, the team seems more stable, the balance between defense and offense is right again.
“He’s not a witch, but he made a few important changes,” creative head Dominick Drexler recently attested to his boss. And these changes have borne fruit.
2. Success factor of FC Schalke 04: The storm duo Terodde/Bülter scores at will
When FC Schalke announced in spring 2021 that they would sign Simon Terodde from HSV, many fans on social media joked about the goalscoring cannon that was secured early on.
And indeed: Four days before the end of the season, the fourth Knipser title can hardly be taken away from the veteran, 24 goals are once again a lonely top.
In addition, Terodde harmonizes almost perfectly with the bustling Marius Bülter, who seems to be in the form of his life. The highlight for the time being was his sensational appearance in Darmstadt with a three-pack plus assist.
“We know what we have in Simon and Marius. Not only because of their goals, but also because they are willing to work against the ball,” coach Büskens praised his protégés, who together scored 52 (!) points, afterwards .
The fact is: If Terodde and Bülter stay healthy, FC Schalke need not fear an opponent in the tricky final stretch of the 2nd Bundesliga (including duels with Werder Bremen, FC St. Pauli and friendly 1. FC Nürnberg).
3rd success factor of FC Schalke 04: Defensively burns little
Admittedly – the recent 5-2 away win in Darmstadt is not necessarily a prime example of the strength of the Royal Blues’ defence. The Schalke defenders had problems again and again against the lilies.
In general, however, the back team is stable: 36 goals conceded is the second best value in the league after HSV (30), especially in the central squad with Marcin Kaminski, top talent Malick Thiaw and Salif Sané already has top league quality.
And then there is a certain Ko Itakura, who is THE discovery of the year in Gelsenkirchen. The loan from Manchester City is prudent and strong in the game, convincing in defense and on the six.
Plus: Four goals this season are more than impressive for a nominal defensive player. Büskens also appreciates the versatility of the Japanese.
4th success factor of FC Schalke: Zalazar and Drexler flourish
Rodrigo Zalazar and Dominick Drexler, who previously seemed inhibited, have hardly been recognizable since the change of coach and bring important impetus to the attacking game.
A look at the numbers confirms the extremely positive trend: Drexler has collected five scorer points (two goals, three assists) in the past five games, Zalazar has the same value.
In Top-Form: Rodrigo Zalazar und Dominick Drexler
Both have contributed to the miners becoming less predictable. Although Simon Terodde keeps snapping, the opponents of FC Schalke now have to prepare for many additional sources of danger.
5th success factor of FC Schalke: The fans are back
Another bargaining chip for Schalke are their own fans, who recently created a Bundesliga atmosphere in the 3-0 win against 1. FC Heidenheim.
57,126 visitors are certainly not a matter of course in the 2nd division, especially in the upcoming match ball home games against the direct promotion competitors Werder Bremen and St. Pauli the miners will get an extra boost from the stands.
“This symbiosis of spectators and players is what sets Schalke apart,” enthused Büskens after his first appearance as line manager against Hannover 96.
And Rodrigo Zalazar revealed: “Everything is easier with these huge fans. We’re not just 11 players on the pitch – we’re 12.”
Heiko Lütkehus
