Heldt slams underperforming Jurado

Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt has conceded that Jose Manuel Jurado’s performances at the club have been disappointing.

The 26-year-old has struggled to make his mark at the Gelsenkirchen-based club since completing a 13-million-euro move from Atletico Madrid in 2010.

As a result, the former Real Madrid youngster appeared to be heading for the exit door, but Heldt has seemingly given the Spaniard another chance to redeem himself.

“He has been here for two years and he has had three coaches during this period,” he told Bild.

“We do not have to fix him, he must get things right himself.

“He is an extraordinary player, an excellent playmaker. But he must do much more, otherwise he will fail again in his third year.”

Heldt revealed Jurado was close to returning to Atletico earlier in the off-season, only for the Spanish capital club to pull out of negotiations at the last minute.

“We were already in agreement with Atletico, but then their president (Enrique Cerezo) changed his mind,” Heldt said.

“I think they would rather re-sign Diego (from Wolfsburg). He is up for sale.”