David Wagner poised to become Schalke 04 manager

Bild and Sky Sports have reported that former Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner is in discussions to be named Schalke 04 manager.

Sky Sports “understands fellow Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin are trying to rival Schalke for Wagner’s signature, but no formal offers have been made and the 47-year-old is considering his options.”

Wagner is currently unemployed after resigning from Huddersfield in January. He joined Huddersfield in 2015 and helped the club get promoted to the Premier League for the 2017-2018 season. Huddersfield is currently last in the Premier League, with just 14 points after 36 games played. The team’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed at the end of March.

Wagner began his coaching career with Borussia Dortmund II, which he led from 2011-2015. During Wagner’s 16-year playing career, in which he played exclusively for German clubs, he featured for Schalke from 1995-1997. He was also a United States Men’s National Team striker, earning eight caps from 1996-1998.

Schalke has struggled mightily this season, sitting in 15th, just six points above a spot in the relegation playoffs. Manager Domenico Tedesco was fired in March as the club shockingly found itself in a relegation battle.

The team also suffered a humiliating 10-2 aggregate defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 16. Tedesco had previously guided the club to a 2nd place league finish during the 2017-2018 season.

Schalke is currently led by interim manager Hubb Stevens, who has amassed a 2-3-1 Bundesliga record since taking over in March.

If Wagner were to become Schalke manager, he would have several American players at his disposal including USMNT central midfielder Weston McKennie. Schalke also has Americans Haji Wright (7 appearances for Schalke’s senior team and 19 for the reserve side Schalke II this season) and Nick Taitague (Schalke II) under contract.

Would this be a good move for Wagner?