More Schalke 04 reflections

Last night Jacqui and I were sharing notes on Schalke and a couple of things dawned on us, J travelled there last year.

The coaches are different to that in the UK.

1. In England the coaches are generally arrogant (some exceotions) and constantly throw out the one liners that they are well connected and will be able 'to sort a trial at a big club'. Basically they are mostly always on the look out for what's in it for them. 

At Schalke the ethos is completely different, one of 'we will stick with you and develop you over the long haul'. The players also buy into it as they are surrounded by role models who go onto play for the first team, Leroy Sane being a case in point.  The players therefore have a strong belief that they will make it.

2. The coaches in England treat the players like children and therefore the kids behave like children. They in fact talk down to them.

In (not at) Schalke it's again different. The coaches treat the players like adults and therefore expect them to behave like adults. This is why they are able to be harsh but fair with the children and therefore able to push them towards excellence. 

We mollycoddle here in the UK and it is only getting worse with the FA delaying competition to later age groups. In Australia it is a whole lot worse, where you have this crazy situation with the SAP programme (at Rep grade level) that the opposition players have to push back 20 yards when the goalkeeper plays the ball out to the fullback - how on earth are players meant to learn and deal with pressure?

Overall, there is a real sense of belonging and a loyalty at Schalke which breeds respect.

One of my fondest moments was queuing at the stadium gates on match day and there were these 2 black boys standing next to Sam (head academy coach) and I. I overheard the conversation which which went along the lines of Sam giving warm congratulations (Gluckwunsch) including high-fives to one of them for him having scored the winner in last night's 17s win. Sam turned round to me after and said that he had been his coach since the age of 7 and was now on the cusp of the 1st team squad. Sam was literally beaming with pride and the boys were touched that Sam had congratulated them so warmly. No matter what level they will reach their respect will not fade.

With speaking German I was able spend a lot of time speaking to the parents and it was great to get their insights. It is a massive advantage speaking the language and really cuts down barriers. 

It struck me also how the parents were an indictment on new German multiculturalism with Muslim, Black, blond, Asian parents all kissing each other on both cheeks on arrival and farewell.

Seperately, I have previously shared in earlier blogs one of the things which sets Schalke apart is the general commitment of the players, they are ALL ferocious! None more so than the little left sided boy from the 10s who gave Jack zero time.

Got out at lunch to find my 45 minutes of peace with a jog / shuffle. 11ks in 4.26s. My knees feel like they are #60.

Still no news on the rucksack.