Dortmund CEO hopes that big rivals Schalke avoid third-tier drop
Ailing Schalke's fight against relegation from the German second division has prompted sympathy from their arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund.
"What I am supposed to do for them? Kep my fingers crossed that they stay in the second tier!" Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told the Spielmacher podcast.
"Schalke are a strong part of German football, who of course have done a lot wrong in the last decade. But despite all the rivalry it hurts me when you see a club that is still this size playing against relegation in the second division.
Watzke also spoke of "a horror scenario" if Dortmund's reserve team in the third tier would have to play against Schalke's first team next season.
Former UEFA Cup champions Schalke were Bundesliga runners-up just six years ago but relegated from the top flight for the second time in two years last season.
They now lie 14th in the second division, just two points above the danger zone.
Schalke have amassed considerable debts over the years, and the financial situation could become even worse in the case of a drop into the third tier.
The Sport Bild weekly reported on Wednesday that club leaders were mulling the sale of their 60,000-seat Veltins Arena, and savings in many other areas of the club, if Schalke failed to stay in the second tier.
Schalke, who must likely also cut further costs if they avoid relegation, issued a statement but without going into details.
"As already communicated several times in recent months, the club is examining various options for different scenarios. Nothing has changed in this regard," the club said.
