Following a season that fell far below expectations, Schalke 04 is undergoing significant changes in its leadership structure, aiming to steer the club back to its former glory. Axel Hefer, the club's supervisory board chairman, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the team's performance, particularly highlighting the recent 1:2 loss to SV Elversberg as a low point. His comments underscore a broader sentiment within the club that immediate action is necessary to address the current challenges.

At the heart of Schalke's restructuring efforts is Matthias Tillmann, the club's executive board chairman, who is set to refocus his responsibilities solely on marketing, stepping back from his role with the support association. This move is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce the workload on the club's executives, as explained by Hefer. The appointment of Frank Baumann as the new sports director marks another critical step in Schalke's efforts to rebuild, with Baumann tasked with overhauling the sporting department.

The club's recent performances have not only sparked internal reviews but also drawn criticism from fans, as evidenced by the banners and protests during the match against Elversberg. Despite the backlash, the club's leadership has emphasized the need for stability and focus, rather than immediate personnel changes, as the foundation for recovery. Hefer's remarks reflect a pragmatic approach to navigating the club through this turbulent period, prioritizing long-term planning over short-term reactions.

As Schalke 04 looks ahead, the focus is clearly on restructuring and revitalizing the club's operations and sporting direction. With new leadership roles and a clear message from the top, the club is laying the groundwork for what it hopes will be a successful resurgence. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these changes can translate into improved performances on the pitch and a restored sense of optimism among the Schalke faithful.