Football Season Guide

Schalke returned to the second-tier after failing to build on promotion the previous season. They improved after Thomas Reis took over from Frank Kramer in October but ultimately fell short in their quest for survival. Reis had them more organised defensively but their lack of goals was to prove costly. Changes to the squad in the summer were inevitable after relegation with Schalke resigned to losing some of their best players. Zalazar, Krauß, and Kral have all moved on, while attacker Bulter has been snapped up by Hoffenheim after impressing last season. There is still plenty of experience and talent in the squad. Terodde may now be 35 years of age but he still knows where the goal is. Polter, Drexler, and Karaman are also expected to chip in, as well as new signing Lasme who joins from Arminia Bielefeld. The other recruits are mostly in midfield areas. Seguin, Schallenberg, and Tempelmann have all proven themselves at this level before and should help to stabilise the centre of the park, Flick also returns from a loan spell at Nurnberg for extra backup. It is expected that Schalke will be well-organised and committed but with a lot of changes to the squad, it could take time for them to hit the ground running.