Schalke 04 coach Jens Keller faces a make- or-break Champion League clash against Swiss champions FC Basle on Wednesday with a third-straight defeat likely to cost the 43-year-old his job.
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Having been dumped out of the German Cup last Tuesday by a shock 3-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim, on Saturday Schalke lost 2-1 at fourth-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach, who opened a seven- point gap over fifth-placed Schalke in the Bundesliga.
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With the Royal Blues now 17 points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and out of the German Cup, a Champions League exit – albeit with entry to the Europa League if they finish third in Group E – would end their interest in all three major competitions.
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And it could well be Keller's last game in charge having taken over in December last year.
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"You need to ask those in charge who make those decisions," Keller replied tersely when asked about his future after Wednesday' match at Gelsenkirchen's Veltins Arena.
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"Yes," said Schalke's general manager Horst Heldt when aked if Keller would be in charge for Wednesday's match, but he refused to comment when asked about next Sunday's home Bundeliga game against Freiburg.
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Clemens Toennies, head of Schalke's advisory board, said it is all about results now.
This is a very crucial one for both teams but I think it's up to who wants it most. I tip Basle though
The UCL is now open for whoever wants to grab it. Both teams will have to fight both at the same time.
I want Basle to qualify. They've shown they are a quality side this season by beating Chelsea home and away. my money is on them