FC Schalke 04 will not travel to the training camp in Belek (Turkey) due to the Corona situation. In addition, there are two new Corona cases at Königsblau.
The team was scheduled to travel to Turkey on 3 January 2022 and spend a good six days in Belek preparing for the remaining 16 games in the current second division season. Now the sporting decision has decided to cancel the training camp after consulting with the internal crisis team.
We very much regret this decision from a sporting point of view, because we would have liked to have used the time together to prepare for the remaining games in a highly focused manner
“From a sporting point of view, we regret this decision very much because we would have liked to have used the time we had together to prepare for the remaining games with a high level of focus,” explained sporting director Rouven Schröder. “In the past few days, however, we have had to realise that the risks of the trip have increased significantly and exceed the possible benefits. We have to live up to our responsibility towards all employees. “
To this end, club officials, in particular team doctor and Corona representative Dr. Patrick Ingelfinger, had sought contact with the relevant authorities. The result of this exchange was a renewed consideration in the past 24 hours, which has now led to the cancellation.
Instead of sun in Belek: Preparation on Berger Field
“Our squad is almost 100 per cent fully vaccinated and boosted – a very important sign. And yet not a free ride, especially in view of the Omikron variant. We want to keep the risk of players, staff or other employees becoming infected with Covid-19 as low as possible. That is why we have decided to cancel,” explains Peter Knäbel, Director of Sport. Winter preparation will take place accordingly at Berger Feld.
The club asks fans who have booked a trip to Belek to support the team there to understand the short notice but necessary cancellation.
Furthermore, Königsblau has to report two Covid-19 infections. Simon Terodde (recovered and fully vaccinated) and Ko Itakura (fully vaccinated and boostered) have tested positive in the past few days and are in isolation. It is currently not clear when they will be able to leave isolation. Both players are symptom-free.
Terodde and Itakura infected and in isolation
Furthermore, Königsblau has to report two Covid-19 infections. Simon Terodde (recovered and fully vaccinated) and Ko Itakura (fully vaccinated and boostered) have tested positive in the past few days and are in isolation. It is currently not clear when they will be able to leave isolation. Both players are symptom-free.
