Schalke coach Domenico Tedesco reveals secrets of Bundesliga club's transfer strategy
Schalke boss Domenico Tedesco has lifted the lid on how he and his team set about trying to reinforce the Bundesliga challenger's squad during the January transfer window.
'Not a one-man show'
The Royal Blues, who are second in the Bundesliga table at the halfway point of the season, have bolstered their squad with the signing of Cedric Teuchert from Nuremberg during the winter window, while also tying up a loan deal for Juventus' Marko Pjaca and agreeing a move with Hoffenheim forward Mark Uth for next summer.
Much of the credit for the Royal Blues' rip-roaring Hinrunde has gone to their young boss, who was only appointed last summer. However, the 32-year-old is keen to emphasise it is a team effort when it comes to deciding which players can make a contribution to the Gelsenkirchen club's cause.
'Know how a player ticks'
"When we want to sign a new player, it's anything but a one-man show," he told Schalke's official website. "Before we act on a transfer, we talk a lot to each other: scouts, coaching staff, the club's board. Everyone gives their opinion and has a right to veto if they have a problem with signing a particular player. We must all be convinced of the potential of a new recruit."
That potential extends past the numbers someone will put up on the pitch. Schalke's scouting team dig deep into the man behind the player, carefully constructing a full picture of their potential new asset before a final decision to discuss transfer fees and personal terms is made.
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"It goes far beyond the sporting aspect," Tedesco explained of the vetting process each transfer target is put through. "We also want to know what makes a player tick off the pitch, how his character is. Because he has to fit in at Schalke."