Football Season Guide

Schalke were very disappointing in the league last season and despite good performances in the German Cup and European competition they sacked manager Felix Magath. Ralf Rangnick returned to the club and had the honour of leading them to a canter of a victory in the cup final even if they did lose heavily in the semi finals of the Champions League. The domestic league campaign was all but abandoned meaning the team eventually finished very, very low in the table and they will now look to make a substantial improvement here. The financial situation has been eased by selling ´keeper Neuer for several millions while the squad has also been trimmed considerably with several fringe players being shown the door. It is boosted though by Jones, Holtby and Moravek, three potential first teamers, returning from loans, while Hoger, Fuchs and Fahrmann are all new, young, signings with great potential. Raul and Huntelaar will both expect to score plenty of goals while the midfield and defence will hope to benefit from being a little more consistent in their selection this term. Schalke are a good side but having relied on Neuer for points so often in recent years, whether or not the new number one - whoever he is - can play well is likely to be the defining point of their season.