In a conversation held on 22 April, Frank Baumann, who officially starts his role as board member for sport on 1 June, and Youri Mulder, director of professional football, informed Van Wonderen of the decision, which comes as a result of a two-week process regarding changes to the first-team setup carried out by Baumann and the other board members. Assistant coach Robert Molenaar was also made aware that he will not be a part of the coaching team next season.
“Since Frank Baumann’s unofficial start a fortnight ago, we have been talking intensively about what sort of profile a head coach at Schalke should have. We also considered the question of whether the current set-up would fulfil these requirements in the long term. It was not an easy decision – for me personally too – but we all agreed to end our journey with Kees van Wonderen after the end of the season,” explained Youri Mulder on behalf of Schalke’s sporting management. “Kees has done a very good job in a difficult situation. We wish him all the best for his personal and professional future.”
