The Heroes of Gelsenkirchen - Schalke's Rise - StuW & Chris Joint Story.

[Chris]

Schalke 04 - November Review

It has been another good month for Martin O'Neill's Schalke 04. The main highlight of November was qualification through to the knockout stages of the Champions League. This was a feat that many pundits didn't believe possible. Second only to Chelsea in the group table, it is very unlikely they will finish first but many fans believe they will be able to beat the London club when they come to the VELTINS Arena in December. In the league, a hard fought draw away to Bayern Munich and a 3-0 victory over a disappointing Freiburg, is enough to keep Schalke in a close second but many Schalke fans were frustrated with a 0-0 draw at home to Frankfurt. However you look at it, it has been a good month and the bonus of Champions League qualification will be a huge source of revenue for the club.

The Champions League is hotting up and Schalke 04 are determined to be a big part of the competition this year.​

3/11/09: Champions League: Schalke 3-0 BATE (Huntelaar, Farfán, Rakitic)
7/11/09: Bundesliga: Schalke 3-0 Freiburg (Pander, Huntelaar, Baumjohann)
21/11/09: Bundesliga: Bayern Munich 2-2 Schalke (Farfán, Huntelaar)
25/11/09: Champions League: Sparta Prague 1-2 Schalke (Huntelaar, Rakitic)
28/11/09: Bundesliga: Schalke 0-0 Frankfurt

Huntelaar has been the star man, once again, and Schalke would be nowhere without the Dutchman's prowess and finishing ability.​

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is a man with a point to prove after a disappointing and fruitless time at Spanish giants Real Madrid. The striker had a perfect reputation with Ajax and was often top of the Eredivisie's scoring charts. It was no surprise when Madrid came sniffing and quickly completed a move believed to be around £18,000,000. After scoring 8 goals in over 20 games, Madrid quickly decided that there were better strikers around and with the purchases of Benzema and Ronaldo, Huntelaar was cast out and told to find football elsewhere. After a whole summer of interest from Arsenal, Spurs and other big names, it came as a shock when Huntelaar completed a £13,000,000 deal to Schalke, a team in transition. He has come back fighting under Martin O'Neill, often scoring two goals a game and his impressive tally stands at 17 goals in 22 games. His ability to pass and lay on goals for others is phenomenal and his shooting ability is second to none. Schalke fans will hope he'll stay at Schalke for a few more seasons but if he carries on impressing, a move away from the VELTINS Arena is certain.​

Martin O'Neill has had an impressive start at Schalke, with qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League and second in the Bundesliga.​

Martin O'Neill was worshipped at Aston Villa and it was a sad day when he left after a dispute with owner Randy Lerner over funding. With O'Neill's record as Aston Villa manager, it was clear he would not spend long without a club. Many saw Schalke as a step down but he is still certain that he has made the right decision. So far, we have seen O'Neill guide Schalke into the knockout stages of the Champions League, second to Koln only because of a one goal difference and in the Quarter Finals of the German Cup. Schalke are in contention for all three trophies and many can see them winning at least one of these. The Champions League may be slightly out of the Northern Irishman's grasp but with Huntelaar on current form, a world class striker could see them spring a shock in the Champions League. The Bundesliga will be seen as an uphill task, the team only expected to come fifth in the league, but with a few clever signings in January, O'Neill's men could be well on their way to Domestic glory. O'Neill has everything balanced in his hands but the question is; Can he handle the pressure?


O'Neill's Record:

German Bundesliga: Played: 14 Won: 9 Drawn: 3 Lost: 2 GD: +15 Pts: 30
German Cup: Quarter Finals
Champions League Group A: 2nd (Qualified)
Win Rate: 72%
Games Played: 22
Total Wins: 16
Total Draws: 3
Total Losses: 3
​

FourFourTwo Rating: 8/10​

So, it has been a very good month for Martin O'Neill. Everyone involved with Schalke is still coming to terms with the fact that Schalke are in with the biggest of Europe's elite and have a chance to lift the trophy that every European club dreams of lifting. The Bundesliga is still fiercely competitive but Schalke will feel that they boast the best team, second only to Bayern Munich's under-performing side. Martin O'Neill will be delighted with the effort of Schalke and with their current form, it looks good to continue.
​

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[Paul Howard]

Great month with a very good result against tough opposition in bayern great work chris this story is a joy to read

 

[Chris]

Great month with a very good result against tough opposition in bayern great work chris this story is a joy to read

Thanks a lot mate. Your comments are very welcome and make me want to carry on updating. So glad you enjoy it, I do mean that.

 

[StuW]

DECEMBER ROUNDUP

As the Bundesliga goes into hibernation for the cold harsh winter weeks, every team was trying to end the year on a competitive note.Schalke were no different, with so much still to play for at this point in time.

Matches

SCHALKE 3-1 GLADBACH - Raul(5, 72), Huntelaar(7)

Raul's brace saw off the challenge of Gladbach

An easy win for Die Knappen against an underachieving Gladbach. Raul set the game away with a well taken volley after 5 minutes. Huntelaar steered home a Pander cross after just 7 minutes to make it 2, before Raul struck again after 72 minutes, with a wonderfully crafted attack capped with a decisive finish from the Spaniard. De Camargo scored a consolation, but Schalke were too good.

SCHALKE 1-1 WERDER BREMEN - Sabri(26)

Sabri's wonder goal saw him cheered by the fans at every touch.

A absolute stunner from Sabri was not good enough for Schalke to take the points against Werder. The Turkish international, came from his own box, beating several challenges before unleashing a thunderbolt from 40 yards into the top left corner after 26 minutes. Aaron Hunt equalized after half-time, which killed off the euphoria that had built in the Veltins-Arena.

Champions League
WISLA KRAKOW 0-0 SCHALKE

Jovanic stopped the German's from scoring with impressive saves.

A fantastic defensive performance from Wisla saw them take a valuable point against Schalke. Ebbe Sand, however had turned out several backup players, with the side already guaranteed qualification to the knockout stages. Jovanic saved many shots, and clearly kept his side in it.

WOLFSBURG 2-1 SCHALKE - Huntelaar(56)

Even Huntelaar couldn't inspire Schalke

A lacklustre Schalke fell to Wolfsburg, after a late Mandzukic goal. Wolfsburg had a plethora of good opportunities, but failed to capitalize. Dzeko opened the scoring with a towering header from a corner. Huntelaar then levelled things with a close range drive in the second half. Mandzukic then struck to give Wolfsburg the points.

SCHALKE 2-0 HANNOVER - Pander(16), Aquino(70)

A trademark Pander free-kick was the highlight for Schalke

Schalke signed off in 2009 with a well-earned victory over Hannover. Christian Pander hit a trademark free-kick from outside of the box to hand them the lead, before Spanish prodigy Dani Aquino struck on the 70 minute mark to make sure the points stayed in Gelsenkirchen.

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Player of the Month

A solid month for Schalke saw many of the players perform well. However, a certain player inspired them, and that was Christian Pander. He showed his love or the club, rallying the troops several times, and even pitched in with a wonder goal against Hannover.

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Players

A good month for the whole team, with many pitching in with good performances.

GK/DEF
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MID/ST
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Champions League

After a fantastic performance in the group stages, Schalke have qualified as group winners of Grp A, finishing above Barcelona, who were expected to finish top comfortably.

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De Rossi - the big danger to Schalke's Champions League ambitions.

The draw for the last 16 knockout stage saw the German hopefuls drawn against Roma, however, they have the favorable first leg away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HALF-WAYPOINT SUMMARY

Now, at the mid way point of the season, we can see how our new manager Ebbe Sand has performed.

Games Played - 25
Wins - 13
Draws - 6
Defeats - 6
Win % - 52%
Goals Scored - 48
Goals Conceded - 32
Goal Difference - +18

League Pos - 5th
Champions League - 1st Knockout
DFB-Pokal - 2nd Round(eliminated)

Our man has certainly started well, guiding the side to a respectable 5th in the league, knockout stages of the Champions League. However, the club's sub-par performance in the DFB-Pokal will not have gone down well, but the CL and Bundesliga performances will more than make up for that.

Ebbe Sand has started to build a formidable side, combining pure class with experienced players, and also some very hot youth players, which leaves for an exciting future at the Veltins-Arena.
The one player who was under the microscope was Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. After failure's with Real Madrid and then AC Milan, the Dutch striker had to get himself back on track with the Germans. Under the close guidance of former Schalke striker Sand, the player has developed his lethal touch that saw him springboard to fame whilst with Ajax. His partnership with Spanish veteran Raul was key to the team's current position, with both players combining to devastating effect.

Huntelaar - big fee, big expectations.

Other players are also seeing their careers rejuvenated under Sand, with his motivational skills getting the best out of players who, until now, had failed to live up to hype. Metzelder, Sabri and others have suddenly started to produce world class performances for the club.
There is one, though, who has cam from total obscurity, to lay claim to the honour of Bundesliga's hottest talent. Signed during the summer by Sand, with very little hype or media attention, Dani Aquino has started to show world-class touches, a lethal finish, along with other very good traits. The 1.5m is starting to look like a steal for Sand, who said he is very impressed with the youngster. Also, word in Marca says that the young striker is very close to a potential call-up to Spain's first team.

One thing is certain, however. Schalke, and Ebbe Sand, are sending a message loud and clear to the Bundesliga, and the rest of Europe, announcing their arrival with the big guns. It is an exciting time to support Schalke, because many fans mouth's are watering with the prospect of success... ​

 

[StuW]

SCHALKE EXPECT MINI-CLEAROUT

Schalke expected to offload several under performers

Ebbe Sand last night began a mini-clearout of the players who have so far underachieved with the club. Also, the club are expected to replace the outgoing players with fresh blood, as the club prepare for a big push domestically. Players linked with the club are Valencia Midfielder Alberto Costa, along with Chile stopper Claudio Bravo. Plestan, who has barely figured under Sand is expected to return to France, whilst Jesper Christiansen is expected to move on, with Valencia, At. Madrid among others interested.​

 

[cfc12345]

havent been on this stroy in the last few days as I have been addicted to fifa 11 but just read all of what I have missed and its great well done so far lads and will become a more regular visiter of this story

 

[Paul Howard]

Stuw on your update you say shalke2-1 wolfsburg but its the other way round just thort i wud point that out

 

[StuW]

JANUARY ROUNDUP

As the Bundesliga got underway again, Schalke started well. Three players left the club, and another two followed, joining other clubs on loan. The club also signed three players, whilst lining up three players, who will join the club in July.

Matches

Four matches for Schalke this month, with a good chance to re-affirm themselves in the top places in the league.

FC BAYERN 1-1 SCHALKE - Farfan(90+2)

Farfan gave the fans something to cheer about

Schalke had to restart the season with a tough trip to top side FC Bayern. Schweinsteiger put the hosts ahead after 56 minutes, before Jefferson Farfan scored a late equalizer to give the traveling fans something to cheer for.

SCHALKE 3-1 KOLN - Huntelaar(16, 45), Raul(22)

Huntelaar's brace gave Schalke an unassailable lead

A strong performance from Schalke saw them defeat Koln. Huntelaar strted well, scoring after 16 minutes. Novakovic equalized soon after, before Raul re-instated the lead after 22 minutes, and Huntelaar sealed the win after 45 minutes.

HAMBURG 1-2 SCHALKE - Sabri(31), Farfan(54)

Sabri scored again, giving Schalke a great start

Another very good performance for Schalke saw them defeat under-performing Hamburg. Sabri grabbed an opener, before Farfan scored his third of the month with a well taken strike form the edge of the area. Guerrero scored a 67 minute goal, which proved to only be a consolation.

SCHALKE 3-1 NURNBERG - Huntelaar(3), Farfan(16), Raul(39)

Farfan scores yet again, to hand Schalke three points.

Another fantastic performance from Schalke saw them take yet another three points against Nurnberg. Huntelaar opened the scoring after 3 minutes, Farfan made it 2, after 16 minutes. Boakye scored for Nurnberg, before Raul wrapped things up with an exquisite volley 39 minutes in.

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Player of the Month

Another good month for Schalke, with three wins and a draw, with plenty of the first team helping the cause. However, the re-emergence of one player's form hands him the title. Peruvian Jefferson Farfan starred with three goals in four games, and a fantastic string of performances.
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Players

The good month saw plenty of players perform well.

GK/DEF
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MID/ST
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Transfer Summary

A relatively quiet month for Schalke in the market, with three players joining, three leaving, and two out on loan.

View attachment 109116

Plestan left for Lyon for 2.5m, and was replaced with Turkish Defender Hakan Balta form Galatasaray for a fee of 2.5m.

Tim Hoogland also left the club, joining Gijon for a fee of 2.3m, Along with Jesper Christiansen who joined Valencia for 1.6m. Edu joined Caen on loan, whilst Uchida also left on a loan, to Anderlecht.
The combined 4.5m was used to sign Nigeria GK Vincent Enyeama for a fee of 650k, and Italian midfielder Marco Donadel for 4.1m.

Hakan Balta
To be given the chance to join a top-class team in a top class league was one I couldn't turn down. Ebbe Sand has started very well, and once he was interested, there was only one place for me.

Marco Donadel
After spending most of my career with Fiorentina, and also being frozen out this season made me feel the time was right to move. Schalke were not the only club that wanted me, but their current position, and potential was impossible to turn down.

Vincent Enyeama
I had spent so long playing in Israel, and I just felt it was a good time to move to a new club, and prove myself at a higher level.

 

[Chris]

Schalke 04 - December Review

As we enter a new year, it is a time when football clubs can properly evaluate the season so far and make new additions to their teams. In Schalke's case, no new additions have been necessary for O'Neill and many players have been shown the door. It has been a good season for the club, still in every competition and on top form and it was no surprise when some fringe players were told that their futures lie elsewhere. Forgetting transfers for a moment, with the winter break coming up, games were being played thick and fast and four matches were up for grabs. No game would be easy at a time where players are starting to tire and results become unpredictable. Would the fans be pleased?

Can Martin O'Neill keep up the results in 2010?​

Firstly, matches have to be discussed. Schalke lined up with a very tough set of fixtures. Wolfsburg, Chelsea, Werder Bremen and Mainz did not make easy reading for the Aston Villa boss, some of his harsher critics calling December his 'month of judgement.' He has successfully silenced those critics. All Bundesliga games were won and an unimportant game against Chelsea, may have been lost, but Schalke's hard graft and effort deserves praise. It has been a very good month.​

4/12/09: Bundesliga: Wolfsburg 0-1 Schalke (Farfán)
8/12/09: Champions League: Schalke 1-3 Chelsea (Farfán)
12/12/09: Bundesliga: Schalke 4-3 Werder Bremen (Raúl, Farfán x2, Rakitic)
18/12/09 Bundesliga: Mainz 1-4 Schalke (Raúl x2, Huntelaar x2)​

Results - Bundesliga

Schalke have excelled in the Bundesliga, in the cold month of December, winning all three games, in some style. First up was a game that Wolfsburg were favourites. With Edin Dzeko and co., it was a surprise when Schalke came away on top. It only needed one goal and Jefferson Farfán was the man of the moment, a simple finish for the in-form winger. After the Chelsea match, morale had dropped but a thriller commenced at the VELTINS Arena. A game in which the attackers shone and the defenders could only stand and watch. The highlight of the match was Raúl's marvellous goal, his first for the club in an incredible 650 minutes. It was also his first in the Bundesliga this season. The final Bundesliga match before the winter break, was a tough fixture away at Mainz. Schalke ran riot, scoring four goals. It was two doubles from Raúl and Huntelaar, both looking to get back to top form, that sealed the match. Raúl's double, proved to be his last goals for the German club. It has been a very successful December for Martin O'Neill's men and he has been hailed for keeping Schalke in top spot all this time.

Raúl, pictured with former manager Magath, never really featured in O'Neill's plans but ended his short spell at Schalke on a high, scoring a marvellous double.​

Result - Champions League - Group A​

This could be the only match that doesn't matter for O'Neill this season. It was statistically possible for Schalke to come top before the match, but in reality it was never going to happen. Schalke fought valiantly but created few chances and Chelsea were in clinical form. Farfán was superb, scoring Schalke's only goal of the match and his running was the highlight of the entire game. Goals from Suárez and a brace from Drogba kept Chelsea at the top of Group A, for an impressive finish.​

1st: Chelsea (18)
2nd: Schalke (12)
-------
3rd: BATE: (3)
4th: Sparta Prague: (3)​

Even Jefferson Farfán's heroics couldn't win the match for a strong Schalke side.​

Martin O'Neill is doing well at Schalke. He has shone this month, proving any doubters wrong about his ability to manage in the German league. Top of the Bundesliga, qualification for the Knockout Stages of the Champions League and a Quarter Final in the German Cup is a fantastic achievement for the Northern Ireland manager. Rumours of Real Madrid looking to tempt him to Spain have been dispelled by him and O'Neill's focus will be on winning as much as possible.

(Watch out for a transfer update next time!)​

 

[StuW]

Good stuff mate, some impressive results there, unfortunate against Chelski, but I am sure you will get over it. Looking forward to the transfer update I also seemed to have signed two players that you had also signed(Enyeama & Donadel). Also, I am looking into a new DR, with an ex-Schalke star favourite to join

 

[Chris]

Good stuff mate, some impressive results there, unfortunate against Chelski, but I am sure you will get over it. Looking forward to the transfer update I also seemed to have signed two players that you had also signed(Enyeama & Donadel). Also, I am looking into a new DR, with an ex-Schalke star favourite to join

Thanks mate.

I am going round a mates at 7.00 so no updates until around 1.00 tomorrow.

We have Thursday and Friday off as teacher training days!

 

[WonderManager]

The update is so long....

 

[Chris]

Sorry, I have loads of work and am away between Thursday and Sunday so no updates from me.

Sorry guys.

 

[StuW]

I will be updating later hopefully.

 

[StuW]

FEBRUARY ROUNDUP

Just over one month since the transfer market closed, and everyone is wondering what impact new players will have at their clubs. For Schalke, they were looking to continue their very good run of form.

Five games for the club this month. The opener was a poor performance, but things soon picked up for the club, with 4 wins on the bounce. Huntelaar had been the key for Schalke thus far, and the fans were hoping that his hot streak would continue.

KAISERSLAUTERN 2-1 SCHALKE - Huntelaar(40)

Hesse scored the winner after Schalke dominated

After taking the lead in a match they dominated, Schalke lost concentration, and allowed Kaiser to take the points. Huntelaar opened the scoring from close range after 40 mins. Fuchs scored a penalty after a dubious challenge by Sabri, before Kai Hesse scored the eventual winner after 74 minutes.

SCHALKE 2-0 STUTTGART - Baumjohann(37), Raul(73)

Raul scored a easy goal to wrap up the win

Schalke bounced back from a poor performance to win against a stubborn Stuttgart side. Baumjohann opened with a half-volley after 37 minutes. Raul then wrapped up a good performance after 73 minutes with an easy finish after Ziegler parried into his feet.

Champions League
AS ROMA 1-2 SCHALKE - Huntelaar(66, 79)

Huntelaar's brace sealed a deserved win

Schalke got a fantastic result at the Olimpico, with a 2-1 win. Totti scored on half time to give the hosts the lead, before Huntelaar scored the equaliser in the 66th minute. Huntelaar struck again, win a low drive to seal the win after 79 minutes.

FREIBURG 0-1 SCHALKE - Huntelaar(67)

Huntelaar continues to score goals

Schalke ground a hard-fought win against a resilient Freiburg. Huntelaar missed several first-half opportunities, before stroking home midway through the second half. Freiburg held their defence for the majority of the game, but Huntelaar's prowess eventually got the better of them.

SCHALKE 3-1 MAINZ - Farfan(21), Huntelaar(29), Booth(83)

Booth scored his first for Schalke

Schalke ended the month on a high with a good win over Mainz. Farfan's simple finish oened the scoring, before Huntelaar struck just 8 minutes later. Bogavac pulled one back, but Matthew Booth's towering header sealed the deal after 83 minutes.

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As usual, there really can only be one player taking this title. He is writing his name into the Schalke history books, and the fans love him. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored five goals, and continued to terrorize defences.

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Another outstanding month for the club, with everyone chipping in.

GK/DEF
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MID/ST
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Other News

Ebbe Sand will be appearing at the World Cup in South Africa, after taking the reigns of the Ivory Coast. The Elephants are expected to be one of the dark horses of the tournament, and with the season's best new manager at the helm, things are looking exciting for the whole country.

Schalke also announced that two more players will join in July.

Spanish Defensive Midfielder Koke will join from Atletico Madrid for a fee of 600k, whilst Portuguese prodigy Bebe joins from man Utd for around 525k.​

 

[Chris]

Sorry about the lack of an update.

1. I have been away from Thursday - Sunday and only got back at 21:30 last night. I'm sure you'll understand I wasn't able to update then.

2. Work has been pouring in thick and fast.

3. I have been getting a ton of crash dumps and I don't dare open the game.

I will try and find the time later, but I make no promises.

Chris (K)

​

Martin O'Neill Talks to the Press​

Martin O'Neill:

'We really have been fantastic this season. I cannot give myself much credit, it is the lads that go out there every week and get results that parachute the team up the table. Some players get more notice than others but it is not all about the goals. Every player whether they are a left back or a striker has a huge role to play and we have a bunch of dedicated lads who all want the same thing. Obviously we cannot sustain this run of form forever, but while we are doing well, we all intend to enjoy it.

The backroom staff also have a huge part to play. Scouts who find me top notch players every week, coaches who train the players to the highest standard and my assistant manager who is one of the most driven men in football. Every person involved with this football club has an important role to play. They are a big reason why we find ourselves top of the league.

I cannot single out any individual who has not given their all. We have a great mixture of players in or hitting their peak, experienced lads with a cool head on their shoulders and a bunch of younger lads coming through, all who have the potential to fit very nicely into Schalke in the future and to earn success with the club. I only hope they all make it.

Finally, the chairman and board have been behind me from the start. They may not always be able to provide funding for everyone but I know for a fact that they try their hardest whenever I request something.

I ask the fans to carry on coming to every game and continue to give us fantastic support week in - week out. Without them, Schalke 04 cannot win the league.

Thank-you for coming to this hastily arranged press conference but I feel with the year that we have had, everyone deserves praise. If I have just one thing to say:

'Carry on and we can can do anything.'

Thank-you.'

 

[pistolped7]

Nice update StuW, and I love the new headers, remind me of the sexy new away top! :wub: Unlucky against Kaiserslautern but very well done against Roma. Good luck with the Ivory Coast, I'm sure you'll do well.

 

[UTO!]

I really like this guys !

Please check my story out !

http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/f81/beauty-passion-and-love-down-at-hillsborough-t49574.html

 

[Joss]

I really like this guys !

Please check my story out !

http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/f81/beauty-passion-and-love-down-at-hillsborough-t49574.html

Stop spamming other people's stories, you've posted this or similar (worse) than this on several, if not all the other stories - advertise it in your signature, or VM your friends, don't post it on other people's threads.

 

[Chris]

Stop spamming other people's stories, you've posted this or similar (worse) than this on several, if not all the other stories - advertise it in your signature, or VM your friends, don't post it on other people's threads.

Thanks Joss.

While I do have IT, Physics and Maths homework, I will do my best to get an update in. Apologies for the wait!

---------- Post added at 04:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:39 PM ----------

Schalke 04 - January Review​

It has been a good month for Schalke and O'Neill's heart-felt press conference certainly dispelled any rumours of grumbles at training. He has united every player and has chosen January to be the month where he gives old faces a chance. Edu is one of those players. He has seen no action this season but when Raúl left, O'Neill felt it was time to give the 28 year old his chance. His two goals were crucial in the 3-1 win over Kaiserslauten. Three wins, one loss keep Schalke to of the league by four points. A remarkable achievement.
​

Isolated? Not any more. Edu is back with a bang. Two goals and a series of good performances have already got Schalke fans drooling.​

Schalke 2-0 St.Pauli (Pander, Huntelaar)

Pander was on hand to spare Schalke's blushes and keep them at the head of the table.​

It was one of those games which you could see a shock was imminent. The scoreline does not reflect the game and experts were amazed how Schalke managed to win this one. Nevertheless, Pander's fine free-kick gave Schalke the lead and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was on hand to fire home from close range late on. St.Pauli were the better team by a long way, yet Schalke take the plaudits.


Leverkusen 1-2 Schalke (Huntelaar, Howedes)

'Well that was lucky!' Howedes' fine header gave Schalke a fortunate last gasp win.​

After a lucky win over St.Pauli, many thought Schalke were stuttering in their form. Their performance was nothing to disprove this, yet once again, Schalke came away with a remarkable away win over Leverkusen. The scoreline itself was a surprise, Schalke on the back foot the whole game with Leverkusen firmly in the driving seat. Leverkusen took the lead early but Huntelaar's fine placed finish before half time was enough to keep Schalke in it. With Leverkusen dominating, a rare corner from Schalke on 86 minutes, was powered home by Howedes for his first goal of the season. Schalke fans breathe a sigh of relief but know they must improve.


Schalke 3-1 Kaiserslauten (Edu x2, Huntelaar)

'That's more like it!' Schalke dominate with Edu on hand to gain all three points.

This was undoubtedly performance of the month for Schalke, easing to a win at the VELTINS Arena. Kaiserslauten, despite scoring first, never turned up. When Kaiserslauten took the lead, Schalke fans were already cursing their luck. However, Edu's curling strike on 75 minutes levelled. Just one minute later, a beautiful Farfán cross was turned in by Edu and in-form Huntelaar finished it off in stoppage time. A satisfying victory for the 'Blues' and the fans will certainly be pleased.

Hoffenheim 1-0 Schalke

Schalke's luck finally runs out against a rampant Hoffenheim side. Donadel's late sending off completed the misery for the fans.

Many were thinking Schalke's luck was never going to run out, so it was a surprise when they failed to turn up against a plucky Hoffenheim side. It took a 93rd minute Demba Ba penalty to settle it, but there was no hiding the lacklustre performance from Martin O'Neill's men. Ba, a man who O'Neill had scouted personally in the summer, slotted home the winning penalty and sent Schalke fans home with no points. They stay top, but will de frustrated about their inability to finish chances.


Nothing spectacular this month from Schalke. Three wins and a deserved loss leaves the fans with little to complain about. Huntelaar and Edu looking to be forming a partnership, five goals between the pair this month. Farfán has been on top form along with Howedes and Baumjohann. It seems as though Schalke should take the title this season, however there is plenty of time for things to change.

Nothing special. O'Neill gets the job done and Schalke stay firmly top.​