FC Schalke: Markus Schubert for the rest of the season

Alexander Nube has finally made his decision, and he’ll be leaving FC Schalke. Which means that Markus Schuber has to start for the rest of the year.

The news that FC Schalke fans have been waiting all year for has finally been delivered, but it’s not what they might have been hoping for. Alexander Nubel has decided to join Bayern Munich at the end of the year, leaving behind the club that built him, as so many before him have done.

This comes just weeks after Amine Harit dedicated himself to the club, which goes to show what separates some players—loyalty, money, glamour. Call it what you want. At least some people are loyal.

The statement from the club indicated that no one doubted whether Nubel would give his all for the club for the remainder of the season, and that he would be completely dedicated, but that’s just a courtesy. You aren’t completely dedicated to a club that you’ve just decided to leave.

As such, this is no time for any further courtesy. The club has to prepare for a future without Nubel, and that means unquestionably letting Markus Schubert start for the rest of the season.

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To do anything else would be foolish. I would even argue that Schubert should be starting in all competitions, but I recognize that’s a big ask. But think about it, how many times have we seen players ditch us for “bigger clubs”? It’s gotten to the point that it’s expected and, that being the case, it’s time to start laying down the law. You want to leave? Then you don’t play.

Leon Goretzka got a similar treatment after making his decision, but it’s a treatment that needs to be commonplace. Nubel chose Bayern Munich over Schalke. Schubert chose Schalke over Arsenal. Who would you rather see in goal?

Schubert has done wonderfully in Nubel’s absence, and it’s a sign of what needs to continue to happen. We need Schubert to start settling into the role and nothing is gained from keeping Nubel in the starting spot, improving so that he can be even better for our rivals. Nope. Sit him down. In the stands, if you’re feeling particularly saucy. That isn’t how things work around here anymore.

Markus Schubert is the guy. He chose us for a reason. It would almost be a slight to him if we didn’t hand him the starting job, all things considered.