Football Season Guide

Schalke enjoyed an excellent season in 2012 and managed to qualify automatically for the Champions League. They have chosen to invest rather thriftily given their previous financial situation but with Raul being the only major departure from the squad, the additions of Barnetta and Neustaedter are enough to improve matters. The goalkeeper position is a bit of an issue as Unnerstall was injured for most of last year but Hildebrand is good back up to come in if needed. The defence will be led by Howedes and Papadopoulos who are both solid but the side is more concerned with going forward than sitting back and the real strength lies in attack. Huntelaar is a superb forward who will score plenty while Draxler, Pukki, Obasi, Edu, Holtby, Farfan and Baumjohann are all talented and creative players who are capable of scoring and making chances. The club has come under criticism from some quarters for 'settling' for being third behind Dortmund and Bayern and this attitude has to change if they are to compete. It is also required to keep the more ambitious players at the club so more than ever, Schalke will be looking to make a quick start as a signal of their intent this season.