In a surprising turn of events, 1. FC Kaiserslautern has parted ways with head coach Markus Anfang just four matchdays before the end of the season. The club announced on Tuesday that Torsten Lieberknecht will take over the reins as they aim for a promotion push in the 2. Bundesliga. The first test for Lieberknecht will be a crucial home match against FC Schalke 04 on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion.
Currently, Kaiserslautern finds itself in a precarious position, having slipped to seventh place in the league table with 46 points. This decline is largely attributed to a dismal run of form that has seen them win just one of their last six games, including three consecutive losses. The most recent defeats were particularly painful, coming against direct promotion rivals, 1. FC Magdeburg and 1. FC Nürnberg, with scores of 0:2 and 1:2 respectively. With their promotion hopes dwindling, the team is now seven points behind a direct promotion spot but only three points away from the relegation playoff position.
Lieberknecht, who has taken charge in a time of need, expressed his anticipation for the upcoming match. "Personally, there is excitement, but also a certain tension. My task is primarily the game on Sunday, and we'll see what comes out of it in the end," he stated. The former coach of Eintracht Braunschweig is aware of the pressure to deliver results quickly, especially with the season nearing its conclusion. "We are in a situation where we can still achieve something and possibly extend the season. There are still four games left, and we are in a kind of playoffs now," he added.
On the opposite side, Schalke 04 arrives with mixed fortunes. They have managed to secure only one victory in their last five matches, but their recent 2:2 draw against Hamburger SV, achieved despite being a man down for most of the match, has provided a morale boost. The relegation playoff spot is ten points away for Schalke, meaning they are relatively safe but still need to maintain their form to avoid any last-minute surprises.
The match kicks off at 13:30 local time and is expected to be a tense affair, with both teams needing a win for different reasons. Kaiserslautern needs to revive their promotion ambitions, while Schalke looks to solidify their mid-table security. Fans will be able to watch the match live on Sky Sport Bundesliga, with options for single game coverage and a conference broadcast.
For those unable to attend, the game can also be streamed via SkyGo and WOW, although both services require a subscription. This match marks an important chapter in the season for both clubs, with Kaiserslautern hoping to harness the new energy brought by Lieberknecht's appointment.
As the teams prepare for battle, the atmosphere in the Fritz-Walter-Stadion is expected to be electric. With 49,327 fans anticipated to fill the stands, the support for the home team could play a pivotal role in their quest for victory. The stakes are high, and the outcome of this match could significantly impact the trajectories of both clubs as the season winds down.
In terms of lineups, Lieberknecht has made several changes to the starting XI compared to the last match. Notably, he has introduced five new players, including Elvedi, Ronstadt, Kaloc, Hanslik, and Yokota, in an effort to shake things up after their recent poor performances. Meanwhile, Schalke will field a strong lineup, aiming to exploit any weaknesses in the Kaiserslautern defense.
As the match approaches, fans are eager to see if the coaching change will yield immediate results for Kaiserslautern. Will Lieberknecht's debut be marked by a much-needed victory, or will Schalke continue their resurgence? The answer awaits as the two teams clash in what promises to be an exciting encounter in the 2. Bundesliga.
