Schalke have announced the suspension of star trio Kevin-Prince Boateng, Sidney Sam and Marco Hoger effective immediately. The news has come via the club’s official website and Twitter account.
Sporting director Horst Heldt announced after Schalke’s insipid 2-0 loss at Cologne on the weekend that there would be consequences. The club has wasted less than 24 hours before suspending three of its most high profile players. This is a great statement from a club who is in turmoil on the pitch – it is also a vote of confidence in manager Roberto Di Matteo.
It was initially reported that Sam and Boateng had their contracts cancelled by the club, due to a lack of trust and confidence in the pair. Hoger was believed to have been given a week to assess his commitment to Schalke, but it has now come to light that all three players are suspended only.
Sam arrived at Schalke this season from Bayer Leverkusen and has made just 11 appearances for The Royal Blues. His Squawka performance score ranks him as Schalke’s 21st best performer this season, a disappointing return from a player bought to the club as a star man.
Boateng’s return has been equally as appalling as Sam’s. He is ranked as Schalke’s 18th best performer, not a statistic to be proud of given his pedigree in both club and international football for African powerhouse Ghana. Boateng arrived at Schalke in August 2013.
The most disappointing performer for Schalke this season has been Hoger though. He ranks 29th (last) in Squawka performance score for The Royal Blues this season, with a score of negative 27. For a player who has been at the club for almost four years this return is not acceptable and reflects the questions being asked of him by Schalke’s hierarchy.
When combining the Squawka performance score of Boateng, Sam and Hoger this season, it strengthens the argument that this is the correct decision. The three have a combined score of 68 from 54 matches played – Schalke stalwart Jefferson Farfan has played only seven games and has managed a performance score of 85 in comparison.
It is a bold move by The Royal Blues to suspend the star trio, but also a good one. Fans of the club have been calling for Di Matteo’s sacking in recent times, however this decision proves Schalke are committed to the Italian.
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With the transfer window fast approaching it is likely the trio will be sold, which will allow Di Matteo the opportunity to purchase players that are suited to his vision. Given Schalke have such extraordinary young talent they must be provided with the best environment to grow and improve in. Selling the trio and any other players who are not invested in Di Matteo’s plan is a vital step for Schalke to take.
The decision should also help to keep star players at the club who are willing to commit to Di Matteo’s plan. Club captain Benedikt Howedes and young prodigy Julian Draxler are frequently linked with moves away from Gelsenkirchen, however, if the culture improves these players could lead a united Schalke team next season under the tutelage of a Champions League winning manager.
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