Rival Watch: Schalke languishing in 2. Bundesliga relegation zone after four straight defeats
By Tushar Bahl
Borussia Dortmund’s arch-rivals Schalke 04 are facing the threat of another relegation after slipping to 16th place in the 2. Bundesliga standings.
Schalke 04 were relegated from the Bundesliga at the end of last season, and things have not gone according to plan for the Royal Blues in the second division so far. The Gelsenkirchen-based club fell to a 3-0 defeat to Karlsruher SC on Sunday, and now find themselves in 16th place in the 2. Bundesliga standings.
Karel Geraerts took charge of his first game as Schalke 04 head coach on Sunday after being appointed during the international break. But he wasn’t able to halt their slide as they suffered their fourth defeat in a row in the 2. Bundesliga.
While there is still a long way to go in the season, Borussia Dortmund’s arch-rivals already find themselves in a very precarious position. Schalke are currently in the relegation play-off spot, five points shy of 15th place, and just one point clear of the automatic relegation spots. And if they are unable to stop this crisis, they could be in serious danger of a second straight relegation.
Also in the 2. Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund loanee Tom Rothe continued his fine run of form on Sunday by grabbing an assist as Holstein Kiel claimed a 3-1 win over FC Hansa Rostock.
dark. Next. A look at Tom Rothe's impact on loan at Holstein Kiel
The highly rated left-back is enjoying an excellent loan spell in Kiel, and has two goals and four assists to his name in ten league appearances this season. Holstein Kiel are currently in third place in the 2. Bundesliga standings, one point behind St. Pauli and Hamburger SV.