Huub Stevens returns to Schalke 04

German Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 have appointed Dutchman Huub Stevens as their new coach following last weeks surprise resignation of Ralf Rangnick due to burnout.

Stevens returns to Gelsenkirchen for a second stint with the royal blues after having coached them between October 1996 and June 2002. During his nearly six years in-charge Stevens won the UEFA Cup in 1997, the biggest success in the history of the Ruhr valley club. Since then Stevens is a fan favourite and they look forward in getting their old coach back.

"I've worked here for six years, it's not just any club," said Stevens on Tuesday at a press conference to announce his return.

"Once Schalke, always Schalke - I am happy to be back here," he added which sums up the mood at the club.

Before coming to Schalke in 1996 Stevens had coached the PSV Eindhoven Under-19s, Roda JC Kerkrade. After leaving Schalke he worked for Hertha BSC Berlin, 1.FC Cologne, Roda JC Kerkrade, Hamburger SV, PSV Eindhoven and Red Bull Salzburg.

A elated Director of Sports Horst Heldt said, "We said, during these difficult times, let's bring Huub Stevens back home."

"I have noticed the fire is still burning in him."

"He can tell you much more about Schalke than I know myself," Heldt added on a lighter.

Stevens first match in-charge will be on Thursday against Maccabi Haifa in the UEFA Europa League. The club will hope for quieter times under a coach who knows the difficult surroundings.


Here last weeks report on Schalke: Coach Rangnick resigns due to exhaustion .