While Schalke 04 fans hope that Kees van Wonderen will bring their club back to the Bundesliga, the Dutchman himself is tempering expectations somewhat. His goal is also to return to the top level, but Van Wonderen believes it won't be a short-term process.
Schalke 04 finds itself in a precarious position after a disappointing start to the 2. Bundesliga season, sitting in thirteenth place after eight matches.
The team's struggles led to the dismissal of coach Karel Geraerts, and now the responsibility falls to Kees van Wonderen to steer the club back on track. Despite the high hopes from fans, who dream of a quick return to the Bundesliga, Van Wonderen is already tempering expectations. He made it clear in his first interviews with the club's media channels that there will be no overnight fix, famously stating, "I’m not Harry Potter."
The 55-year-old coach, known for his methodical approach and focus on long-term development, emphasized the importance of patience. "We don’t have the ability to use magic. We can’t achieve in a short time what we ultimately want to see. But this is the beginning of the process, and we want to take steps forward every day," Van Wonderen explained. His philosophy revolves around continuous improvement, demanding that his players give their all to progress daily. "I’m a coach who expects players to give everything to improve every day," he added. Known for his straightforward and transparent communication style, Van Wonderen described himself as "an open book," committed to sharing his observations directly with his players and staff.
Schalke’s fans, once accustomed to top-flight football and even European competition, are understandably anxious for a return to the Bundesliga. However, the club's financial struggles, coupled with the pressure of immediate results, make the task ahead challenging. Van Wonderen inherits a team that has underperformed so far this season, with key players struggling to find form and consistency. Schalke’s defensive frailties and lack of cutting edge in attack have been major contributors to their current position in the table, and the new coach will need to address these issues swiftly.
Van Wonderen's first big test will come on October 19, when Schalke faces a tough away match against sixth-placed Hannover 96. This fixture will provide an early indication of how quickly Van Wonderen can instill his philosophy and make tactical adjustments. But even with the importance of the match, Van Wonderen remains cautious about promising immediate results. "I can’t say right now that everything will be ready in three weeks and that everything will come together immediately. Maybe we'll need more time, or maybe it will happen faster. We never know, we can't predict that," he said, acknowledging the unpredictability of football and the challenges that lie ahead.
Despite the uncertainties, Van Wonderen’s arrival brings a sense of hope and structure to a club that has lacked direction in recent times. His calm demeanor and analytical approach will be crucial in stabilizing Schalke's performances. Van Wonderen has previously demonstrated his ability to develop players and build resilient teams, as seen in his time managing Dutch clubs where he cultivated disciplined squads. The Schalke board likely views him as the right man to rebuild and instill a long-term vision, even if the results take time to materialize.
The road to promotion will be far from easy, especially with other strong teams in the 2. Bundesliga vying for the same goal. Clubs like Hamburger SV, Hertha Berlin, and FC St. Pauli are all aiming for a top-three finish, adding to the competitiveness of the league. For Schalke to break into that upper tier, Van Wonderen will need to harness the potential of his squad and create a winning mentality that has been sorely missing. If he succeeds in stabilizing performances and bringing consistency to the team, Schalke’s ambitious goal of returning to the Bundesliga could be within reach.
However, Van Wonderen remains grounded, fully aware of the club's challenges. "This is the start of the journey, and we have to take it one step at a time. The most important thing is that we work hard every day and focus on the long-term goal," he concluded. As Schalke’s new era begins under Van Wonderen’s leadership, the fans will be watching closely, hopeful that he can guide the club back to the heights they once enjoyed. But as the Dutch coach himself has made clear, there are no magic solutions just hard work, patience, and a determination to succeed.
