Football Season Guide

Schalke could not have wished for a better first season under Domenico Tedesco last term as the club finished second in the league having previously failed to even qualify for Europe. While the second season under the talented coach will undoubtably have more challenges the squad and staff are more than ready. Although Tedesco’s style of more defensive, tactically solid football is not to everyone’s taste, it certainly proved effective last term. The club’s transfer dealings ahead of the new season reflect where the squad has become weaker and also point to an expansion of the system. The double signing of central midfielders Suat Serdar and Omar Mascarell, who both played in the Bundesliga last season, comes as a replacement for Leon Goretzka and Max Meyer, two important first team members. Salif Sane is an uncompromising centre back in the mould of the aging Naldo who will find it tough to play every match now the club are back in the Champions League. The defensive signings help to round the team and give the coach options. But Mark Uth’s arrival from Hoffenheim also gives the fans some hope of seeing a few more goals this term. The German found the net 14 times last season, making him the third top scorer in the league. Uth should form a good partnership with Guido Burgstaller as well, but can also be used on the wing. This season Schalke will need to cope with more matches as they find themselves back in European competition and that will have an impact on their league form. Resources will be stretched thin and Tedesco will be given his biggest test yet. But his coaching career so far has shown he rises to meet challenges thrown at him and he will expect his side not to slip in the league. A top four spot in the league and a good showing in the Champions League will be expected, though it will be tough to achieve.