Schalke 04 is playing as badly on the offensive as it last did more than half a century ago – and for many reasons. One name in particular stands out negatively.
The 4-0 bankruptcy in the derby at Borussia Dortmund was the low point for Schalke 04 in a previous scary second round.
With a view to the sporting performance in the second half of the season, the royal blues are playing like relegation. The squires scored only seven points from nine games and scored four measly goals – only Augsburg, Bremen and Paderborn are worse.
“We have a much higher quality and now we have to get that into the games as quickly as possible,” coach David Wagner said after the BVB gossip to make amends.
Wagner was asked after the derby debacle whether he had worked specifically on the weak points in attack and defence after the re-start in team training. His short and concise answer: “Yes!”
Schalke’s offensive historically bad
However, this was not necessarily apparent in the Dortmund debacle. The Schalker didn’t stand a chance, were physically inferior against the poisonous and strong Dortmunders and totally harmless towards the front.
At the moment there is a huge lack of attack. Schalkes offensive is even historically bad. Four goals in the first nine matches of the second round – the last time the squires scored so few goals was 54 years ago. In the strong first half Schalke had scored 14 goals against the same opponents.