By Ultan Corcoran@UltanCorcoran

Schalke extend contract of chairman Matthias Tillmann

The 42-year-old endured some hard times but now is reading the rewards of helping to slowly stabilize the Royal Blues off the field.
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Photo: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images.

FC Schalke 04 have officially announced that the supervisory board has unanimously extended Matthias Tillmann's contract.

Shortly after the extension, the CEO gave a detailed audio interview, discussing topics such as teamwork and connection with fans. 

Much of the early part of Tillmann’s tenure was spent dealing with immediate issues and bringing stability to the club’s operations. 

During his second and third years in the role, the focus increasingly shifted towards Schalke’s long-term strategy.

That work led to the creation of a clear plan of action which has since been put into practice by the Gelsenkirchen outfit.

Together with his teams working at the club, Tillmann has helped drive forward a number of major projects, with the experience of others. 

The club has also overhauled its commercial setup and worked to expand and strengthen its partnerships and current deals.

“I am convinced that FC Schalke 04, with its size, infrastructure, and power, belongs in the Bundesliga,” Tillmann said in his interview.

"But we won't get anything for free, and we know we have to work hard for success. We've been carrying a heavy burden.

"Especially financially, and we continue to face challenges that we must overcome. But I am convinced that good work will pay off.

"It's only a matter of time. Therefore, I am always optimistic and confident about the future – and I will remain so.

“If I had to summarize our task in one sentence: We want to make Schalke a little better every day,” he said, regarding future ambitions.
 

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