Knäbel commits to keeping Grammozis after Schalke relegation
When FC Schalke 04 appointed their first head-coach of the season, the conclusion most drew was that the club felt Dimitirios Grammozis was the choice to lead the team next year in the second division.
Fresh off his own permanent appointment, new sporting director Peter Knäbel effectively confirmed it in the pre-match comments to Sky Germany.
Fresh off his own permanent appointment, new sporting director Peter Knäbel effectively confirmed it in the pre-match comments to Sky Germany.
| Dimitrios Grammozis. |
"Definitely," the 54-year-old told the Sky microphones when asked just prior to kick-off at the BayArena on Saturday, "Naturally, planning goes in the direction of the second league."
Knäbel was responsible for the Grammozis' appointment with his first act as interim sporting director following the weekend Schalke axed trainer Christian Groß and most of their administrative team. Knäbel told his Sky interviewers that, after the sweeping moves, the club had opted to "consciously consider [the relegation] scenario."
Schalke remain winless in four fixtures under their new trainer. Against Leverkusen, however, the Königsblauen were able to manage to score their first goal during Grammozis' tenure. It took 351 minutes of combined pitch time before Klaas Jan Huntelaar snapped the sordid streak.