Ralf Rangnick Backs Out Of Discussions To Become Schalke’s Sporting Director

Rangnick has been in discussions with the club where he has had two spells as manager in the past over the boardroom position.

But the former RB Leipzig manager has backed out of the discussion due to uncertainties at the Veltens Arena.

With just a solitary win in the Bundesliga all season, Schalke are rooted at the bottom of the table and are bound for the second tier of German football next season.

Rangnick recently expressed interest in becoming Germany’s next manager after Joachim Low indicated he will step down after EURO 2020.

"Schalke is very close to my heart," Rangnick said in a statement on Saturday.

"The overwhelmingly positive reactions from members of the Konigsblauen community have influenced me and confirmed my feelings for this very special club.

"I would have loved to have been involved in helping Schalke on its difficult road back to its former strength.

"Unfortunately, due to the numerous uncertainties within the club at the moment, I do not see myself being able to take on sporting responsibility at S04 at the moment.

"My wish for all members and supporters of the club is that they will successfully join forces to unify Schalke on and off the pitch and lead it back to the top."

Schalke have come out to express their disappointment over Ragnick’s decision.

"We are surprised by Rangnick's rejection and especially the short notice," Jens Buchta, chairman of the club's supervisory board, said in a statement.

"The board was determined to reach an agreement with Ralf Rangnick in a second round [of talks] agreed for the coming week. It is regrettable that this will not happen.

"At the same time, the supervisory board has a certain understanding of Rangnick's decision in view of the events of the last 10 days.

"The supervisory board will now strive for the position of sports director to be filled as quickly as possible."