Schalke's US midfielder Weston McKennie (C) reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Schalke 04 v SV Werder Bremen on May 30, 2020 at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany. (BERND THISSEN / POOL / AFP)

BERLIN - Tensions around one of Germany's most famous football clubs couldn't be more worrying. Debts of around 200 million euros, a significant sporting crisis, and a coach under attack draw a dark picture regarding the future of the FC Schalke 04.

Some of the Royal Blues supporters might have thought of fake-news after the international rating agency "KPMG Football Benchmark" classified S04 among the 15 most valuable clubs in Europe based on popularity, profitability, and potential.

The survey had been done before the outbreak of COVID-19.

ALSO READ: Cologne stun Schalke 3-0 in Bundesliga

At present, Schalke appears like a boat full of holes floating in rough waters. No matter how things develop, the club is head of stormy times

It might be part of Schalke's claim, and their fans dream of being a respected member of Europe's top 20 clubs.

With one exception, Schalke between 2001 and 2016 ended up on a single-digit tableau position. In 2002 they won the German Cup, achieved several Champions League participations (last 16-round), and the semifinal of the Euro League in 2006.

But now, reality is telling a different story. After 11 games without a victory in the current league, campaign success seems a feature of the past.

Leaders such as the head of board Jochen Schneider are desperately trying to keep the club from falling apart.

At present, Schalke appears like a boat full of holes floating in rough waters. No matter how things develop, the club is head of stormy times.

DOWNWARD TREND OUT OF CONTROL

There is still some good news about Schalke. While struggling, the side seems to be able to live on its reserves gained in the first season half (30 points) to avoid relegation.

Other figures talk of an unbraked free-fall. Five goals are noted in the 12 rounds of matches after the winter-break after 29 in 17 games of the first half.

The number of chances decreased from 5.8 per average and game to 2.9.

Only 7 points stand in the books after the recent 11 games. Schalke met his negative record out of the 1993/94 season. The S04 conceived 25 goals and only won 4 points.

DISPUTED COACH

Rapidly David Wagner has changed his roles. Ending up fifth after the first half, the 48-year-old has turned from a savior into a doubtful case.

Schalke's head coach David Wagner celebrates after the German Cup (DFB Pokal) round of 16 football match Schalke 04 v Hertha Berlin in Gelsenkirchen, westen Germany on Feb 4, 2020. (INA FASSBENDER / AFP)

The former Huddersfield hero couldn't stop the descent. Having to deal with a significant injury crisis, the coach's plans to count on exceeding defensive tactics didn't pay off. First reports speak of a majority in the squad opposing his policy.

Despite having given a job guarantee by club boss Schneider, the 48-year-old manager is under threat to lose his job if he can't create new hope in the five remaining season games.

TEAM WITHOUT A FUTURE

The goal-keeper problem isn't the only delicate issue. Alexander Nuebel is leaving for Bayern Munich after the season. The number two, 21-year-old Markus Schubert, doesn't seem to have a future after fatal mistakes. Not to get the coaches trust increased his uncertainty.

Schneider announced to stop all contract negotiations, "as we need to concentrate on the game performance." Rumors speak of several key figures with expiring contract having to leaving.

The uncertain situation doesn't create a healthy spirit. The buying-option for on-loan defender Jean-Clair Todibo (Barcelona) has passed as Schalke can't pay the 25 million to keep the French.

READ MORE: Leipzig whitewash Schalke 5-0 to stay second in Bundesliga

Schneider demanded to return to a more confident style.

ECONOMIC TURBULENCES

The debt level of around 200 million has triggered a controversial debate about plans to outsource the clubs' professional section.

Schneider announced his intention to present a convincing plan to sceptical fans. Most of the Schalke supporters fear to lose influence as future decisions could be made without the approval of the over 150,000 members.