FC Schalke 04: 5 things we learned from 5-0 loss to Bayern
4. Caligiuri is not helping his case
Daniel Caligiuri’s technique remains intact, and he’s still a tenacious defender. But no player looked more washed up in this high-stakes game against Bayern Munich than Caliguiri, whose minor errors from the Hinrunde all came to a head in an embarrassing performance at the Allianz Arena.
The veteran right midfielder was powerless in helping Jonjoe Kenny defensively against the threat of Alphonso Davies. Caligiuri frequently made poor passes and had one embarrassing play near the end of the game when he kicked the ball out of bounds deep in his own half despite feeling no pressure.
Caligiuri’s contract runs out at the end of the season, and Schalke have already extended Bastian Oczipka. There may not be room for too many veteran players in Gelsenkirchen, so Caligiuri will have to step it up next week. He’s made some important plays this season and still has quality on set pieces, but his lackadaisical display against Bayern is a reminder that his best days are behind him.
5. Stay measured with Gregoritsch
After a dream debut against Borussia Mönchengladbach which included a goal and an assist, Michael Gregoritsch came crashing back to earth against Bayern on Saturday. Whereas he was active against Gladbach and created a plethora of chances for his teammates, he was lethargic and unconfident against Bayern, looking like the worst attacking player on the pitch for either team. And it really wasn’t close.
While it is strange to see a player post two polar opposite games in his first two appearances for a club, Schalke fans should remain highly optimistic about Gregoritsch’s contributions for the remainder of the Rückrunde. The quality he showed on Matchday 18 was tangible, and he clearly suffered against Bayern from a mixture of the opponent, Benito Raman’s absence, and a poor tactical setup from a thoroughly outclassed David Wagner.
Next. Schalke vs. Bayern Player Ratings. dark
Gregoritsch will, like the rest of his teammates, bounce back against a poor Hertha Berlin defense. There are weaknesses to Gregoritsch’s game, but paired with the right forward and in his mood in front of goal, he can be one of Schalke’s most dangerous players.