By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Concerns about the future of one of Germany's most prominent sides are growing.
A tough financial burden followed by a continuous sporting downward trend makes the famous FC Schalke 04 turn into a wavering ship floating in stormy waters.
After sacking Frank Kramer, the Royal Blues are searching for their seventh coach within two years.
Schalke not only needs to find a caretaker coach but faces an inevitable shopping tour to update its squad.
Devastating figures such as 24 conceived league goals coming along with only ten scored ones make the club hit rock bottom.
The road back to happiness seems stonier than expected after the club managed to drastically cut down expenses as sportive progress is missing.
In their attempt to continuously play a major role in national and international football, Schalke has amassed a debt totaling 200 million euros and currently has to run its professional squad on a low flame.
But past success seems to cloud a realistic view of the club's status. The former challenger shrunk down to an under-average performer.
In 2011, the club reached the Champions League semi-finals and the last 16 in 2018. In the same year, Schalke finished second in the Bundesliga and seemed on its way to establishing itself among Europe's leading clubs.
Schalke's story to some extent is the story of overly high expectations and risky management decisions.
While the club tries to survive another relegation, sporting director Rouven Schroder finds himself in a line of fire being blamed for the low squad quality.
While the Royal Blues' well-oiled talent development seems to have dried out, the selection of players passionately fighting for a better future is a huge challenge.
Schalke's new coach has to provide nothing less than a miracle coming along with a realistic view: Schalke once again has to start again right from the bottom. ■
