Slomka steps up at Schalke
Wednesday, January 4, 2006
Article summary
FC Schalke 04 have appointed Mirko Slomka as their coach, with the new man having previously worked as assistant to Ralf Rangnick who left last month.
Article body
Contract incentive
Slomka, who has been with Schalke since October 2004, will initially be in charge until the end of the season. "If it works out, we can certainly imagine working with Mirko Slomka beyond 30 June, 2006," team manager Andreas Müller said. Rangnick left Schalke early in December after his side's failure to reach the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.
European date
After his first training session in front of 2,000 fans, Slomka said: "I have a sleepless night behind me but the first training was very good. I am very much looking forward.” The 38-year-old has until 28 January before the Bundesliga resumes, although he will also have to prepare Schalke for their UEFA Cup Round of 32 date against Spanish side RCD Espanyol next month. A former player, Slomka previously worked as an assistant coach at Hannover 96.
