We Schalke fans are at a loss for words, and yet we have to find them: Rudi Assauer has passed away. We are indescribably sad. But also grateful that we had him.
This is undoubtedly due to the fact that the long-serving manager has rendered outstanding services to the club like few others and has even shaped its history. The gigantic stadium construction project was teamwork, and Assauer also knew that such Herculean tasks could only be shouldered together. Just like the rescue from the withdrawal of the club's license in 1993 and the new club statutes a year later. But without Rudi Assauer, there would probably be no VELTINS-Arena towering over Berger Feld today. His life's work, as he once emphasized. Without him, there would be no coach of the century Huub Stevens, no Eurofighter sky storm, no two cup victories and, no, no battered "Pott".
Our gratitude also stems from the fact that Assauer was a Royal Blue with an edge. A man of character, a species that we sometimes miss these days. Fans, managers, office staff, former players, journalists - so many have their own personal Assauer moment. When the word was not yet under suspicion of inflation, "Assi" had long been cult. A doer and go-getter, articulate, sometimes eloquent, shirt-sleeved, a charming macho and elegant businessman. No manager had so many nicknames: "Stumpen-Rudi", "Schlotbaron" or "The Godfather" were just a few. For Gerald Asamoah he was "the manager", Huub Stevens called him "Männi".
For fans, he simply remains their "Rudi". Because he didn't talk down to them, but spoke their language and knew what Schalke owed to its tireless supporters: "Without the love and affection of the fans, the club would have long since died." When he experienced the saddest day of his career on May 19, 2001, he wept bitter tears unabashedly and broke with the soccer god in such a wonderfully unforgettable way. And heavens, how he could swear, rant and rave. But when Assauer stood in front of Jiri Nemec years later to bid him farewell, this tough guy's voice trembled and he cried so unrestrainedly that you couldn't help but sob along with him.
He also touched us by making his illness public. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's. While the mind slowly fades, the body lives on. In a book and a television documentary, Rudi Assauer provided an unembellished view of his fading life. One last self-determined break with taboo. Once again, he took on the role of the fighter, he struck a blow of liberation and encouraged other people. Unknowingly, he gave the starting signal for the initiative named after him, which reflects his character and actions: close to the people, without fear of contact, thinking outside the box.
His death in installments had long since begun. The fact that he has now fallen asleep peacefully in the arms of his daughter Bettina Michel is comforting. And yet we are still shaken by the final farewell to this important Schalke player.
Dear Rudi, I hope they have a pilsner and a cigar for you where you are now. Have a good time. We will never forget you or what you have done for us. Thank you!
