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Stuttgart (dpa) - Coach Christian Gross feels, in his own words, not let down by the players of FC Schalke 04.
"No, I don't feel that way," said the 66-year-old Swiss on Saturday after the 1: 5 (1: 3) at VfB Stuttgart and alleged demands from players for his replacement.
"I think that when there are conflicts that you have to address them of course, but in the right way," said Gross.
He could not "necessarily understand" what is in the media.
He did not confront players, said Gross.
"I just basically said how I see it, if you had a problem with me, that you would have to come up to me and then we would look at it together and address it openly and directly."
Gross also ruled out a resignation after the debacle.
"No no.
I started this mission.
For me there is no giving up, never, ”he emphasized at Sky.
A club spokesman had rejected media reports on Saturday morning, according to which Schalke leaders are said to have demanded a new coach change after the derby lost 4-0 to Borussia Dortmund.
The Funke media group, Sky and Sport1 reported on Friday that several players complained about Gross’s work and asked for his replacement from sports director Jochen Schneider.
Schneider, who himself has to leave by the end of the season at the latest, refused this.
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When asked whether he was one of these players, Shkodran Mustafi replied evasively.
"My job is to go on the pitch and perform and help the team that we win games," said the 2014 World Champion on Sky.
"That is what is in my hands and in the hands of every single player."
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210227-99-620970 / 2
VfB Stuttgart squad
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Squad of FC Schalke 04