At the expense of relegation rival Jahn Regensburg, Kees van Wonderen secured his first win with Schalke 04 on Sunday. Ahead of the match, the Dutch coach received tips from none other than Huub Stevens.
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Shortly after Kees van Wonderen was announced as the new head coach of Schalke 04, an unexpected but intriguing voice emerged from the club's storied past: Huub Stevens.
The 70-year-old Dutchman, often referred to as ‘The Coach of the Century’ by Schalke fans, gave a rare interview to the German sports magazine Kicker. Stevens, who guided Schalke to numerous successes including the UEFA Cup triumph in 1997, acknowledged his surprise at the appointment of Van Wonderen, a relatively inexperienced figure in German football circles. However, he made it clear that his initial surprise was quickly replaced by a desire to lend a helping hand, offering insights and advice that only a club legend could provide.
'It wasn’t the appointment I expected,' Stevens candidly shared with Kicker. 'But that doesn’t mean it’s not the right one. The game has changed, and sometimes a fresh face brings fresh ideas. I reached out to Kees because I wanted to offer my perspective on the unique environment here at Schalke it’s a club like no other in Germany.'
A highly anticipated rendezvous between the two Dutchmen took place last week, behind closed doors at Schalke's training grounds in Gelsenkirchen. According to reports, the meeting spanned over two hours, far longer than initially scheduled. Stevens, known for his meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of the club’s culture, took this opportunity to share his thoughts on the current state of the team and the broader challenges facing Schalke 04, which has struggled in recent seasons, bouncing between the Bundesliga and the 2. Bundesliga.
In a follow-up interview with BILD, Stevens shed more light on their discussion. 'I tried to convey to Kees the essence of Schalke it’s not just a football club; it’s a family, a way of life for the fans. They live and breathe for this team, and they demand passion and commitment in return. Winning over the locker room is important, but here, you also need to win the hearts of the fans, perhaps more than at any other club I’ve been part of.'
Stevens emphasized the importance of understanding Schalke’s deep-rooted traditions, which are intertwined with the industrial heartland of the Ruhr Valley. The area is known for its working-class ethos, and the fans’ expectations are shaped by this heritage. They are fiercely loyal but also quick to demand accountability and effort from their players and coaches.
'Tactically, I have no concerns about Kees,’ Stevens said. ‘He was a very intelligent midfielder in his playing days, and you can see that intelligence in the way he approaches the game as a coach. He understands positioning, reading the game, and making adjustments on the fly. It’s more about understanding the emotional side of this club how to harness that energy and channel it in the right direction.'
The meeting wasn’t just a one-on-one tutorial on club culture and tactics. Stevens also made a point of involving another key figure: Youri Mulder, a former Schalke striker who recently assumed an interim role as the club’s sporting director. Mulder, who scored crucial goals during his time as a player at Schalke, is well-respected within the club and has deep ties to its current roster and fan base. Stevens sees Mulder as a critical ally for Van Wonderen as he navigates his early days in charge.
'I’ve known Youri for years, and he has the kind of personality that this club needs right now,’ Stevens continued. ‘He’s someone who can provide stability, a familiar face who knows what it takes to succeed here. I hope Youri will become a strong pillar of support for Kees, someone who can help bridge the gap between the coaching staff and the players, and also between the team and the fans.'
For Schalke supporters, the involvement of both Stevens and Mulder is a sign of hope amid a turbulent period. The club has faced financial difficulties, managerial upheaval, and inconsistent performances on the pitch in recent years. The return of figures associated with better days is seen as a positive step, a sign that the club is looking to its heritage to guide its future.
'We need to be realistic,’ Stevens concluded. ‘Turning things around won’t happen overnight. But I believe Kees has the right mindset. He’s shown that he’s willing to listen and learn, and that’s a good start. The road back to the top is long, but with the right approach, I’m confident we can get there.
