Schalke
have suspended three players as a consequence of losing to Cologne at the
weekend that has left their hopes of playing European football next season
hanging in the balance.
Kevin
Prince Boateng, Sidney Sam and Marco Hoger have been punished for the surprise
2-0 defeat away from home.
A
crisis meeting was held on Monday morning with the three attacking players
being blamed for the defeat and effectively suspended.
Former
Portsmouth and AC Milan midfielder Boateng and Hoger both have a year left on
their contacts where as Sam still has three years left on his deal having just
signed last season.
General
Manager Horst Heldt questioned the three player’s loyalty to the club as he
spoke to the press after the loss on Sunday.
"If
a player is not willing to do what we ask, then he will not be at the next
training session." Heldt
when as far as suggesting that all three players’ future at the club could be
over as he said. "Some players are - regardless of contractual arrangements -
going to feel the consequences."
With
just two games remaining in the season they sit 6th, occupying the last Europa
League spot but have Borussia Dortmund hot on their tales just are two points
behind in 7th.
Schalke’s
form has dipped dramictally since they beat Real Madrid in the seven goal
thriller in the Bernabeu two months ago.
Since
that win they have only picked up one win since the second leg win and have
only won four league games in 2015.
Manager
Roberto Di Matteo will need to galvanise his players for the last two games
against Paderborn and Hamburg if they are to hold on to the spot European spot.
Colomunist: Arif Ahmed
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