The Bundesliga's second sacking of the season is Jens Keller, who has been let go by Schalke 04. They've already brought in a replacement, hiring former Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion manager Roberto Di Matteo.
Schalke announce Roberto Di Matteo as new manager
Alex Livesey
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt talked about the change in managers in a statement released by the club.
“With the change in coach we want to give a new impulse. We are absolutely convinced that Roberto Di Matteo can stabilise the team so as to reach its Bundesliga and Champions League goals. We are missing the necessary consistency to meet our targets. This is why we took this step. The performance of the team in the past few weeks has fluctuated.”
From the start of the season, Keller's position has been the subject of speculation. When Thomas Tuchel and Mainz parted ways before the Bundesliga campaign started, there were indications that Schalke were interested in hiring him, but that did not come to fruition. Despite a draw away to Chelsea in Champions League and a Revierderby win over Borussia Dortmund, Schalke's board has been looking for the first reasonable opportunity to oust Keller, and they found it this week.
Di Matteo has been biding his time since leaving Schalke in 2012, dodging interest from mid- and lower-tier Premier League and Serie A teams. His reward for being patient is a team in the Champions League, with the talent to both get out of their group and qualify for the tournament again next season. Die Königsblauen are dealing with a bit of an injury crisis at the moment, but could get some of their big names back after the international break, so Di Matteo’s joining up at the right time.
The Italian also has a reputation for being a better defensive coach than Schalke’s previous managers, and that area is in serious need of improvement. While some impressive talent has come in and out of Veltins Arena, the Schalke back line has been what’s held them back from competing for a Bundesliga title over the last decade.
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