Schalke: 5 things we learned from 5-0 loss to RB Leipzig

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GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 22: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Jonjoe Kenny of FC Schalke 04 and Angelino of RB Leipzig battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and RB Leipzig at Veltins-Arena on February 22, 2020 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /

2. Where is the fight?

What helped make Schalke one of the Bundesliga’s most feared clubs over the first several months of the season was their fight. The Royal Blues became known for snapping into every challenge, pressing like crazy, and leaving it all on the field.

They showed none of that on Matchday 23 in this shocking 5-0 loss to RB Leipzig. The Royal Blues were completely outworked by Julian Nagelsmann’s men on and off the ball.

Part of this is on Wagner, but a lot of it is on the players. The likes of Ozan Kabak and Benito Raman never gave up, but others on Schalke were merely jogging back on defense or not providing teammates with options when progressing the ball.

If the team doesn’t step up its intensity, it won’t matter what tactical adjustments are made.

3. Jonjoe Kenny won’t be worth the fee

Although Jonjoe Kenny has become a fixture at right back for Schalke, his performances against Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in big games has left a LOT to be desired defensively. And if a right back is getting caught out up the pitch defensively, they had better be making up for it in the attack, a la Achraf Hakimi. But Kenny was, once again, essentially useless on the attacking end.

Kenny is a quality player who had a strong Hinrunde, but his play has slipped since. He should get some grace since he’s returning from an injury, but Schalke need more from him. Everton own the rights to Kenny and will ask a high fee for an England international in the Premier League at a thin position. And if he doesn’t step it up, the Royal Blues will find it easier to say “no” to Everton.

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