By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 29 (Xinhua) -- With his back to the wall, Schalke 04 coach David Wagner is playing his last card trying to turn things to good for his struggling side.
Facing a crucial game against relegation candidates Werder Bremen, the former Huddersfield manager decided to appoint disputed Alexander Nubel for the job in the Royal Blues goal. Several media report about the decision.
A few months ago, the 23-year-old keeper announced he would join Bayern Munich for next season, causing a controversial debate within the club.
Nubel lost his captain's status and shortly afterwards his status as the team's number one. But his successor Markus Schubert couldn't provide stability.
After ten games without a victory, the 48-year-old coach came up with a risky but understandable choice.
For most of Schalke's fans, the surprising return of Nubel is nothing to be happy about. Despite widespread antipathy among Royal Blues supporters, most of them might grudgingly accept the decision.
With all Bundesliga games currently played behind closed doors due to the outbreak of COVID-19, neither Wagner nor Nubel has to worry about the crowd's adverse reactions.
But in all, uncertainty remains about how Nubel is dealing with the enormous pressure on his shoulders.
The keeper has been under fire not only by the Schalke fans. Pundits called his move to join Bayern a risk to his career, with the Bavarians' number one Manuel Neuer extending his contract until 2023.
Rumors talked about Nubel possibly having to accept being placed at another club on loan for a certain time in order to get playing minutes.
Reports spoke of a clause in Nubel's contract with Bayern assuring him a certain amount of competitive games, though Neuer announced he is not willing to accept that. The German international said he might consider leaving, but after difficult negotiations signed a new contract.
From Wagner's perspective, it makes sense to put his hopes on Nubel, who is regarded as one of the country's most promising talents.
Most experts are convinced Nubel is on a more advanced level than Schubert.
The Schalke coach expects the keeper to stabilize the wavering defense.
After turbulent times, Nubel is facing a new nerve-wracking challenge. Schalke's returning keeper is under critical observation by the club's supporters.
In case of further failure in the duel against Bremen, Wagner will have to take his share of criticism.
Wagner has been under attack from fans and media due to his team's negative streak. With his coach put in doubt, Schalke chairman Jochen Schneider was forced to express a job guarantee for the coach.
Schneider said Wagner is going to be the clubs' coach for the next season under all circumstances. "We must draw the correct conclusions out of this crisis and make a re-start for the new season," Schneider commented.
Around 50 percent of the Schalke fans said they don't expect Wagner to manage a successful turnaround. After the side ended up as fifth after the season's first half, many expected the club to qualify for an international competition. After the winter break, the squad was hit by an injury crisis and Wagner had to replace several vital performers. Enditem
