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Thomas Reis
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David Inderlied / dpa
FC Schalke 04 are parting ways with head coach Thomas Reis with immediate effect. This was announced by the second-division football club. The decision was the result of an "in-depth analysis from the past few days," it said. Until further notice, the previous assistant coach Matthias Kreutzer will take over.
The relegated Bundesliga side are in 16th place in the relegation zone after seven matchdays, with Reis taking just two wins, four defeats and one draw. On Saturday, the Royal Blues lost 1-3 at FC St. Pauli, after which defensive boss Timo Baumgartl criticized Reis' tactics in a TV interview. Assistant coach Markus Gellhaus has also been released.
"After the morale victory against Magdeburg, our expectation was that we would see further progress at St. Pauli. Instead, we had to accept a serious step backwards," said Peter Knäbel, member of the Executive Board and responsible for sports. We have used the past few days for intensive consultations and have come to the conclusion that we have to take this step right now in the interests of the association. Our goal is to break the overall negative trend that has been going on since the start of the season."
Sporting director André Hechelmann said: "Our common goal is to go into the international break with a positive feeling. Matthias Kreutzer has our full confidence and we will support him with all our means. At the same time, we are working on the succession solution.«
Reis had taken over as coach at the end of October 2022 as successor to Frank Kramer.
ngo/dpa