Bayern visit could be coach’s death-knell

– Domenico Tedesco’s second season in charge of Schalke 04 has got off to a disastrous start and with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich visiting tomorrow, the exit door could soon be opening for the 33-year-old coach.

Tedesco (right) was a surprise choice when he was appointed last season, arriving with limited coaching experience in the second division and no professional playing career prior to that.

He made an instant impact, however, steering them to second place and a return to the Champions League after a three-year absence, also winning over fans when the team rallied from 4-0 down against arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund to draw 4-4.

The comeback earned Tedesco a sensational man-of-thematch award but that already feels like a lifetime ago after Schalke lost their first three Bundesliga games to sit bottom of the standings on zero points alongside Bayer Leverkusen.

The Royal Blues’ Champions League return proved a marginal improvement with a 1-1 draw at home to Porto on Tuesday.

Nothing would speed up the process of reviving their fortunes more than a win over the Bavarians, who top the standings on nine points but have injuries to Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso, Thiago Alcantara and Rafinha.

However, Niko Kovac has been boosted by the surprise resurgence of one player after Renato Sanches finally rediscovered his form in Bayern’s 2-0 Champions League win over Benfica on Wednesday. The 21-year-old midfielder joined Bayern two years ago but was loaned out to Swansea City.

His goal-scoring performance on Wednesday, however, put him in line for a starting spot, with Thiago still doubtful with a toe injury. – Reuters