By Tom Lee · FC Schalke 04

Five seasons ago, Schalke 04 were competing in Division 1. Four consecutive relegations, numerous managerial departures and a seemingly endless decline later, the German club found itself sitting 19th in Division 5.

Enter Tom Lee.

A manager with just three months of Soccer Manager experience, taking his first steps in one of the game’s most prestigious and competitive worlds.

Ten games later, Schalke had recorded seven wins, one draw and two defeats, climbing to 13th and ending their remarkable decline.

But this press conference wasn’t simply about results.

It was about ambition, self-doubt, loyalty and one relatively inexperienced manager’s determination to prove he belongs among the best.

“This was about stopping the rot.”

Sky Sports: Tom, you’ve achieved something that numerous managers before you couldn’t. You’ve stopped Schalke’s decline. How important was avoiding the bottom three, particularly given what joining the Top 100 meant to you?

Tom Lee:

“Massive. Absolutely massive.

“People need to understand what this club has been through. Five seasons ago, Schalke were in Division 1. Since then, we’ve suffered four straight relegations and watched manager after manager lose their jobs.

“That takes its toll on a football club.

“I was actually assured another opportunity in the Top 100 if we finished in the bottom three, but I didn’t want another opportunity. I wanted this one.

“I wanted to stay at Schalke.

“So I challenged the players. I wanted to see their bottle, their mentality, how they’d respond when there was genuine pressure on them.

“And they responded brilliantly.

“Seven wins, one draw and two defeats. From 19th to 13th.

“We haven’t won anything. I’m fully aware of that. But for the first time in five seasons, this club has stopped going backwards.

“This wasn’t about winning a trophy. It was about stopping the rot and giving Schalke something they haven’t had for years — stability.”

“I’m not here just to say I manage in the Top 100.”

BBC Sport: You’ve been very vocal about your work ethic. You’ve even suggested nobody in Division 5 is more active than you. That’s quite a statement from somebody with only three months of managerial experience. Where does that confidence come from?

Tom Lee:

“Listen, I stand by that.

“I log in every single day. I’m constantly assessing my squad, thinking about tactics, researching players and looking for ways to improve.

“But don’t confuse that with me saying I’m the best manager in this division.

“I’m absolutely not saying that.

“I’m still learning. I’ve made mistakes, and I’ll make plenty more.

“I’ve questioned whether I’m out of my depth. Whether I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.

“Some of the managers I’m competing against have been doing this for years. I’ve got enormous respect for them.

“But that doesn’t mean I’m going to sit quietly and accept being second best.

“The fact I’m inexperienced is exactly what drives me to work harder.

“And one thing I absolutely refuse to do is spend three or five seasons sitting in mid-table in Division 5 just so I can tell people I’m a Top 100 manager.

“What’s the point in that?

“I didn’t work to get into this world just to make up the numbers. I came here because I want to compete.”

“I’d rather build Schalke than inherit success elsewhere.”

BILD: You’ve mentioned that opportunities at clubs like Juventus have become available. Why stay at Schalke when you could potentially compete for honours much sooner elsewhere?

Tom Lee:

“Because where’s the challenge in taking the easy route?

“Look, when I first started playing Soccer Manager in June, I noticed something.

“All the managers I looked up to seemed to be competing in the Top 100.

“I wanted to be part of that. I wanted to test myself against them, and I’m not embarrassed to admit that I wanted their respect.

“But now I’m here, I’ve become attached to Schalke.

“I know these players. I’ve spent hours researching them, negotiating transfers and trying to build something that can last.

“This team means something to me now.

“And personally, I think I’d earn far more respect taking Schalke from the bottom of Division 5 through the divisions than I would walking into Juventus and winning Division 2 at the first time of asking.

“That’s not disrespecting anyone who takes those jobs. Everyone has different ambitions.

“But mine is to build something.

“The team that, on paper, is the worst in the Top 100 is mine. And I care enough to change it.

“I genuinely believe I’m good enough to do it, too.”

“I’m a winner, not a survivor.”

The Athletic: You’ve spoken about wanting success, but you’ve also admitted you don’t necessarily expect promotion next season. Some might see that as contradictory. What does success actually mean to you?

Tom Lee:

“I don’t think it’s contradictory at all.

“There’s a difference between expecting promotion and believing you can achieve it.

“Look at our form since I arrived. Seven wins, one draw, two defeats. That’s promotion form.

“Why can’t we do that again?

“What’s stopping us?

“Of course, I’m realistic. We’ve got a young squad, and we’re relying on players developing. Some will improve, others won’t.

“But I’ve already shown I’m prepared to take chances on young players, even when their ratings suggest they aren’t quite ready.

“And we’ve been winning football matches.

“If we finish next season in a similar position but our young players have developed to the point where I genuinely believe we’re ready to challenge for Division 4 the following year, I’d consider that progress.

“What I won’t accept is standing still without a plan.

“I want to win. I want promotion. I want to take this club back up the divisions.

“I’m a winner, not a survivor. Although this season has been all about surviving, next season the chains are coming off.”

“I’ve made mistakes. I’ll make more.”

The Guardian: You’ve been refreshingly open about your inexperience. Is there anything you’ve done at Schalke that you regret?

Tom Lee:

“Where do I start? (Laughs.)

“Of course there is.

“I’ve made transfer decisions I regret. I’ve sold players who, looking back, I might have preferred to keep.

“But sometimes those decisions open doors you never expected.

“One transfer allows you to make another. One player leaving creates an opportunity for somebody else.

“And that’s what I’m learning.

“I’ve only got three months of experience. Some of the managers here have probably forgotten more about this game than I currently know.

“But I’m not afraid to admit when I’ve got something wrong.

“I think that’s important.

“You can’t improve if you’re constantly trying to convince everyone you’ve never made a mistake.

“I’m not asking people to judge me as the finished article. Judge me on whether I’m learning, improving and moving this club forward.”

“As long as they’ll have me, I’m here to stay.”

Kicker: Schalke have gone through numerous managers in recent seasons. What reassurance can you give supporters that you won’t simply move on when a better opportunity presents itself?

Tom Lee:

“Well, firstly, it can’t get any worse, can it? (Laughs.)

“Four straight relegations. We’ve hit rock bottom.

“But seriously, I understand why supporters would be sceptical. They’ve watched managers come and go, and the club has suffered because of it.

“All I can promise is 110% effort, week in, week out.

“I don’t like swapping and changing clubs. I don’t want a managerial history full of ten-game spells.

“I want a long reign. I want to see the players I’ve recruited develop. I want to look back in a few seasons and recognise the progress we’ve made.

“And as long as David and the Top 100 lads will have me, I’m here to stay.

“I’m not interested in leaving for a bigger name.

“Unless I’m sacked, I’m staying at Schalke.

“I was here when this club was at rock bottom. I’d like to be here when we finally get it back on its feet.”

“Don’t underestimate us.”

Sky Sports: Finally, Tom, you’ve completed your first season in the Top 100. What message would you like to send to the other 99 managers ahead of next season?

Tom Lee:

“Well, firstly, I’m flattered that so many of you seem to think I’ve been around for a while.

“The truth is, I’m very new to all this.

“I’ve got a lot to learn, and I’m looking forward to learning it.

“But I’ve worked incredibly hard to get here, and I intend to make the most of the opportunity.

“I don’t expect anyone to hand me respect. That’s something you’ve got to earn.

“And hopefully, over the coming seasons, the results and the work we’re doing at Schalke will speak for themselves.

“I’m here to stay. Watch this space. And don’t underestimate us.”

THE REBUILD CONTINUES

For Tom Lee, the first ten games were about proving he could survive in the Top 100.

The next chapter is about discovering how far he can go.

Schalke’s decline has finally been halted. The manager has made his intentions clear. And while promotion may not arrive immediately, there is now something at the club that has been missing for five seasons.

Belief.