Different management, same old story for Schalke in Wolfsburg rout

Schalke 04 were hammered 5-0 in another disappointing outing for the Revier club despite just overhauling the club’s leadership and reportedly appointed Ralf Rangnick as sporting director.

Schalke were the better side in the first half hour before winter signing from Arsenal Shkodran Mustafi put through his own goal and Wolfsburg came in full strength, scoring four second half goals to demolish Schalke.

Schalke manager Dimitrios Grammozis said his team gave too many gifts to Wolfsburg. “Today’s result is very sobering for us,” he said.

“We had high hopes for the game and started well, only allowing VfL a few chances. The unlucky own goal for 1-0 came from nowhere.

“We gave them too many gifts in the second half and practically invited them to score. We made too many mistakes and were punished for it by a really good side.”

Shkodran Mustafi also reflected on the loss, “I think we did really well without the ball in the first half and put in an organised performance,” he said.

“We were a little bit hectic on the ball once winning it back a few times though. We often make the wrong decision when we are in the final third. It was really tough for us after my own goal – taking the lead gave Wolfsburg an extra confidence boost.

“We simply made too many mistakes after the break and VfL punished us clinically. We couldn’t keep up the intensity from the first half.

Schalke are still bottom of the Bundesliga table with nine points from 24 games and are sure to relegate. The club’s board noted the recent changes are not short term but in preparation towards their next season in the Bundesliga II.