Youri Mulder has responded to the dismissal of Kees van Wonderen. The technical director of Schalke 04 showed his compatriot the door. He explained the reasons through the club's official channels.
Schalke 04’s 2024/25 campaign has taken yet another dramatic turn. Following a damaging 0–2 home defeat to SC Paderborn, the club made the decisive move to part ways with head coach Kees van Wonderen and his assistant Robert Molenaar.
The result not only marked another low point in a season filled with inconsistency and disappointment but also placed Schalke dangerously close to the relegation zone in the 2. Bundesliga a position unthinkable for a club of such historical stature.
Technical director Youri Mulder, who played a leading role in the appointment of Van Wonderen just months ago, faced the press and the fans with an honest and firm explanation of the decision. Speaking via the club’s official channels, Mulder said:
"The performances and development over the past two weeks have been a cause for concern. We are only six points above the relegation play-off zone, and we’re heading in the wrong direction. That’s why we felt it was necessary to act now."
The defeat to Paderborn marked by poor organisation, a lack of urgency, and minimal attacking threat epitomised the kind of regression that had alarmed the Schalke board. Despite a promising start to his tenure, Van Wonderen had failed to maintain momentum. Schalke went from being dark horses for promotion to a side nervously glancing over their shoulders.
The dismissal, while painful, was swift. Both Van Wonderen and Molenaar were relieved of their duties, and the club began moving quickly to steady the ship. “We have a responsibility to the club,” said Mulder. “And that means making hard decisions when necessary. We thank Kees and Robert for their work, their professionalism, and their commitment during a difficult period. We sincerely wish them all the best for their future careers.”
In their place steps Jakob Fimpel, a familiar face within the club. Currently the head coach of Schalke’s U23 side, Fimpel will take charge of the first team on an interim basis until the end of the season. The move is not without precedent earlier in the campaign, before Van Wonderen’s arrival, Fimpel briefly led the senior squad and earned four points in two games, impressing fans and club officials alike.
"We’re very grateful to Jakob for taking on this role, which is hugely important for the club," Mulder continued. "It doesn’t matter who you speak to players, staff, fans you get the same response: Jakob left a very positive impression during those matches in the autumn. He connects with the players emotionally, provides them with clear structure in training and matches, and demands the maximum from everyone."
That emotional connection may be exactly what Schalke needs in a moment of crisis. Sources inside the club suggest that Van Wonderen, despite his tactical knowledge and calm demeanour, struggled to energise the squad in recent weeks. Training intensity reportedly dropped, and the players lacked direction on the pitch. Several senior figures had begun to voice quiet concerns behind the scenes.
Mulder didn’t name names, but the message was clear Schalke had to act before the situation became irreversible. The idea of the club slipping further down the table or worse, being drawn into a relegation playoff is unthinkable for fans who still remember the glory days of European nights and Bundesliga title races. But football moves fast, and Schalke’s recent financial struggles make a return to the top flight not just a dream, but an economic necessity.
Jakob Fimpel's task will not be easy. Schalke face a brutal run of fixtures over the next month, with matches against promotion-chasing sides and direct relegation rivals. Every point is critical. Fimpel is known for his intense, hands-on coaching style and his emphasis on team spirit and pressing a contrast to the more reserved approach that Van Wonderen often brought. It remains to be seen whether the players can quickly adapt and rally under new leadership.
Off the pitch, questions remain for the Schalke hierarchy. Mulder, despite his transparency and leadership during this moment, will now come under pressure himself. The appointment of Van Wonderen was his responsibility, and the fact that it failed so quickly raises concerns about the club’s recruitment process. Whether Fimpel is a temporary fix or a potential long-term solution will likely depend on results and results alone.
As Schalke prepares for the final stretch of the season, fans are left hoping that this change, however abrupt, will be enough to avoid disaster. The reality is sobering: a club with rich history, passionate supporters, and one of the largest stadiums in Germany is fighting for survival in the second tier.
The road back to the Bundesliga looks longer than ever. For now, all eyes are on Jakob Fimpel and whether he can inspire a revival before it's too late.
