The 53-year-old coach is currently unable to muster the strength and energy of the defending German Cup champion due to an exhaustion syndrome.

　　"After long and careful consideration I have come to the conclusion that I need a break. To make this decision was incredibly hard for me but my current energy level is not enough to succeed and in particular to advance the team and the clubs sportive development," Ragnick said in the statement.

　　Former Hoffenheim coach Ragnick already announced at his signing that he would need a break but then he began much earlier than originally planned at Schalke to help the club. Ragnick came to obtain all the achievements such as Champions League semifinals and to win the German Cup.

　　In this season, Schalke qualified for the Champions League group stage, after the "Knappen" had turned the playoff matches against the Finnish champions HJK Helsinki.

　　"The decision by Ralf Ragnick deserved the highest respect. We also believe that health should always take precedence over all professional goals and challenges," Schalke manager Horst Heldt said.

　　At the match on Saturday Seppo Eichkorn will take over as interim coach for now.