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

[SwineFluGotYou]

Looking forward to it.

 

[StuW]

Lol, played a couple of games now.

Good start to the season.

I bet you got an easier start than Bayern:S

Also, my game auto-saves monthly, as my little brother has a tendency to press the bright blue button on my PC....

 

[Chris]

Schalke 04 - August Review​

It has been a good start for Martin O'Neill at Schalke. He is seemingly getting the best out of some players but leaves a lot to be desired on others. He has won 3 out of 4 in the league, also winning in the German Cup. The likes of Jo, Metzelder and Huntelaar have been impressive and seem like players that can change a game in a moment.
​

02/08/09: Elvesburg 0-2 Schalke 04- Raúl, Huntelaar (German Cup)
08/08/09: St.Pauli 0-1 Schalke 04- Jó
15/08/09: Schalke 04 0-1 Leverkusen
23/08/09: Kaiserslauten 0-1 Schalke- Huntelaar
29/08/09: Schalke 3-1 Hoffenheim- Metzelder, Jó, Baumjohann​

A simple summary of the results and scorers, with the notable players being Huntelaar and Jo, both scoring 2 goals. Baumjohann would be considered goal of the month with his fantastic run and powerful shot into the top of the goal. That was against Hoffenheim. Equally good, was Christoph Metzelder's glancing header against Hoffenheim, a fantastic goal for the centre back who went on to have an excellent game. Jo also found the net twice with typical strikers' finishes, on both occasions slotting the ball past the 'keeper with unbelievable control and confidence. It has been a good start for O'Neill's men.

Huntelaar has started well for Schalke, scoring 2 goals in 5 games and getting a Man of the Match award against Hoffenheim.​

An apparent lack of goals let Schalke down at the start, seemingly not trying in their 1-0 loss against Leverkusen, branded as an embarrassment by a former Schalke legend. Games against St.Pauli and Kaiserslauten were eventually won, but the lack of goals was starting to get Schalke critics going. With an interesting change to a 4-2-4 in the match against Hoffenheim, Schalke dominated and scored 3 fantastic goals in the process. The injury of Jurado gave Baumjohann a great chance, he impressed by scoring the 'Schalke Goal of the Month.' We will be interested to see if O'Neill continues this way.
​

'Ouch!' He may have hurt his finger but Alexander Baumjohann was superb against Hoffenheim, scoring a brilliant goal in place of Jurado.​

Injuries have hindered O'Neill enormously this season. Donadel, Gavranovic, Neuer, Jurado, Baumjohann and Metzelder have all been injured at some point so far, with Schalke fans blaming this for the apparent lack of goals in the early matches. However, this has given Enyeama, Bruma and Baumjohann the chance to shine and all have been given runs in the first team, proving that they look up to Bundesliga football this season, despite what critics of Schalke and O'Neill say. If the younger players impress and the experienced players live up to expectations, this could be a brilliant season for O'Neill's army!​

Vincent Enyeama has shone in goal this month, playing every Schalke game and his reliability has been a key aspect of Schalke's good start!​

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[SwineFluGotYou]

Great update Chris can not wait for another.

 

[Chris]

Cheers mate.

Commented on yours.

 

[samillyroy]

don't under-estimate the german leauge, it's a tough 'un cos a lot of teams are sort of at the same level, and then theres bayern munich who are just sick ha. but thats a good start. surprised you've usurped neuer seeing as he's basically teh best goalie in the game, but enyeama is also a beast. good to see baumjohann getting a good goal as well; he does get the odd wonder goal but hes very inconsistent, I find.
keep it up!

 

[WonderManager]

Keep it up Chris! I support you!

 

[StuW]

SCHALKE SIGN HASEBE, EXPECT ONE MORE IN

Hasebe(l) already signed, Richarlyson(r) or Perovic next?

Schalke manager Ebbe Sand said there will be one more signing at the club, most likely a loan to buy. The club also unveiled Japanese captain Makoto Hasebe, who has joined from Wolfsburg for a reported fee of 1.8m. Sources close to the club say either Sao Paolo's Richarlyson, or Basel's Marko Perovic will be next, with both touted as potential loan deals, as Sand looks to re-inforce his midfield.

Ebbe Sand
I had watched the team closely, and it seemed that the midfield was where we seemed to have the most problems. At this moment in time, the club cannot afford any transfers, so a loan-to-buy will suit the club.

The club also unveiled their new Assistant Manager, Brazilian Sidnei Lobo joined from Corinthians to replace Seppo Eichkorn.​

 

[Chris]

don't under-estimate the german leauge, it's a tough 'un cos a lot of teams are sort of at the same level, and then theres bayern munich who are just sick ha. but thats a good start. surprised you've usurped neuer seeing as he's basically teh best goalie in the game, but enyeama is also a beast. good to see baumjohann getting a good goal as well; he does get the odd wonder goal but hes very inconsistent, I find.
keep it up!

Thanks mate. It is very equal bar Munich and anyone can win the league out of six or 7 teams. Neuer was injured so I couldn't play him. :S Thanks for following.

Keep it up Chris! I support you!

Lol, cheers mate. Nice to have your backing.

 

[samillyroy]

also if you're weak in midfield, look at joel matip in the reserves, he's an absolute beast!

 

[Chris]

also if you're weak in midfield, look at joel matip in the reserves, he's an absolute beast!

Cheers mate.

 

[Iaq]

also if you're weak in midfield, look at joel matip in the reserves, he's an absolute beast!

Weak midfield? The guys have Rakitic, Jones, Kenia, Matip, (Moravek, who should be on loan), Schmitz and Moritz. They may not have the best stats, but threy are doing their job.

 

[StuW]

Weak midfield? The guys have Rakitic, Jones, Kenia, Matip, (Moravek, who should be on loan), Schmitz and Moritz. They may not have the best stats, but threy are doing their job.

No, central midfield is not too strong. Rakitic, Kenia are AMC, and the rest are DM. They can play at CM, but they play better in their respective positions.

 

[samillyroy]

Ebbe Sand
I had watched the team closely, and it seemed that the midfield was where we seemed to have the most problems. At this moment in time, the club cannot afford any transfers, so a loan-to-buy will suit the club

iaq, it wasn't me who said that it was weak ha, but stu brought in hasebe beecause he said it was weak and I was just pointing out that matip was available and that he was awesome.

 

[Iaq]

No, central midfield is not too strong. Rakitic, Kenia are AMC, and the rest are DM. They can play at CM, but they play better in their respective positions.

Kenia, Raktic and Jones are doing a great Job as CM on your update, mate.


@samillyroy: Yes, I know. Just quoted you. Sorry!

 

[Chris]

Schalke 04 - September Review

Another decent month for Martin O'Neill, winning 3 games, drawing 1 and losing 1. With only 2 games to play in the Bundesliga, Schalke sit 7th in the table but with a game in hand. A win over Stuttgart could see them rise to 2nd in the league. An easy win in the German Cup, winning against Sparta Prague in the Champions League and beating Gladbach 2-1 in the league has led to a good month all-round.​

Schalke 04 4-2 Sparta Prague- Huntelaar x3, Farfán (Champions League)
Schalke 04 2-1 Gladbach- Jurado, Huntelaar
Dresden 0-3 Schalke 04- Jones, Huntelaar, Farfán (German Cup)
Hannover 1-1 Schalke 04- Donadel
Chelsea 2-1 Schalke 04- Cech o.g. (Champions League)​

No easy fixtures for Martin O'Neill but Schalke composed themselves well in every game, with players such as Huntelaar and Donadel on fine form this month. 5 goals from Huntelaar this month says a lot about his current form and on this showing, he is proving to be quite a hit among Schalke fans and neutrals alike. With 4 points out of 6 in the Bundesliga, this month has been uneventful but pleasing and with a game in hand, Schalke are up to scratch in the league. A lack of goals could be worrying however. In the Champions League, Schalke have been at their best. A brilliant win over Sparta Prague and a valiant fight against Chelsea leaves them in 2nd position behind Chelsea. Just where they should be.​

'Truly brilliant.' Huntelaar has been nothing short of a miracle for Schalke, particularly in the Champions League. His 7 goals so far, have been the driving force of Schalke's Champions League campaign.​

It has been a month all about Huntelaar. His magnificent hat-trick against Sparta Prague the main talking point. He chips in everywhere, helping back in defence or spear-heading a counter attack. His third goal was an amazing curled strike from 25 yards, the least he deserved for his exceptional effort this season. Marco Donadel has also caused a few stirs around the VELTINS Arena this month. His August form left a lot to be desired, but with a change in roles, a fantastic 25 yard goal against Hannover was evidence of how much he has come on this month.​

'The heart of midfield' Donadel has been causing defences many problems this season and he and Huntelaar have shared the limelight this month.​

It has been another good month for Martin O'Neill. Nothing spectacular but not much to pick up on either. If there is one thing Schalke 04 will be disappointed with, is the lack of Bundesliga goals. With teams around them bagging 13-20 goals and Schalke on a measly 8 goals, it is something that clearly needs working on. With strikers such as Huntelaar and Jo, the goals should come. Huntelaar will be hoping to capture the form that has inspired Schalke in the Champions League and prove himself in the Bundesliga. Jo will want to find the net again and hasn't scored in three games. All in good time for O'Neill. The Schalke board will be happy with this month, once again.

'The goals are drying up.' Can Jo find his goalscoring form at Schalke or will this be another loan spell to forget for the Brazilian?

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[samillyroy]

top stuff lads, isn't huntelaar incredible?
you'll have to be careful, he'll probably want away in the summer if he plays really well, cos he'll get attention.
make sure you either do really well, or get him on a 5 year contract ASAP haa.
but good update

 

[StuW]

AUGUST REVIEW - SCHALKE 04


The first month under Ebbe Sand saw Schalke have a month of contrast. A total of 10 players joined the club, with Sand spending around 8m. Many say it has been a very good market for Sand, who only a month ago siad it would be a slow market.


Transfer Round-Up

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A very active 2 months for Sand, ringing changes throughout the team. His first action was to release veteran Christian Erwig, after being unimpressed with him. Then a clear out of the U23s and U19 squads, with 17 youth players released. Albert Streit was next out, moving to Aston Villa. Levan Kenia was sent to PSV on a season long loan, whilst Mathias Schober was sold to Hoffenheim.
Incoming was very busy, with 6 players joining in five days.
Best Signings -
Jordi Alba 500k from Valencia - The young winger has immense potential, which Schalke will hope he can fulfill. Pre-season saw him show some glimpses of it, with dazzling runs past players.
Makoto Hasebe 1.8m from Wolfsburg - The Japan captain is hugely admired by Sand, and chose to move to Schalke after falling behind Cicero and Diego at Wolfsburg. A tireless player, who will try from start to finish. A good signing for Schalke.


Matches
Schalke started poorly, but slowly picked themselves up, winning 2, drawing 1 and losing once. Sitting pretty in 6th at this point, Certainly well-positioned to push further up, especially with arguably two of the toughest games now out of the way in Bayern and Hamburg.

SCHALKE 0-3 FC BAYERN

Altintop's goal sealed the deal

Schalke didn't really show up for this game. Several players were missing from the squad, so Sand opted for a very defensive approach. Sand did complain about two of the Bayern goals, which both looked slightly dubious. Both of the early Gomez goals looked clearly offside, but Altintop's finish was quite marvellous.

FC KOLN 0-0 SCHALKE

Neuer had a solid game against Koln

Next up was a tricky trip to Koln. Podolski out for the home side would certainly have pleased Sand. Jermaine Jones had a fantastic performance in the centre, cutting out several forward balls. Neuer also looked solid, having very little problem with the Koln attack.

SCHALKE 2-1 HAMBURG - Raul(36), Aquino(88)

Raul showed his quality

The next match saw Schalke host HSV, which could be one of the biggest and most exciting games of the season. Raul, who was superb throughout, opened the scoring with a clever strike in the 36th minute. Piotr Trochowski levelled after 51 minutes, which for the majority of the second half, looked to be the last goal. A fantastic move saw youngster Dani Aquino open his account with a fantastic burst through the middle to win the game for 04.

NURNBERG 1-2 SCHALKE - Hasebe(43), Schafer(og, 75)

Schafer's mistake cost Nurnberg dear.

The final game of the month saw Schalke take on Nurnberg. Hasebe's first half opener gave the side a lift, with a close range finish. Then, Nurnberg keeper cost his team the points, with an extremely unlucky rebound from a Aquino strike, which struck the post, and bounced off the GKs back. A late consolation made it a nervy finish as Ekici struck
from 25 yards. Schalke however hung on for the win.

Good position for this point of the season. Five points off the pace, but still very early days.
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Player of the Month

A fairly good month saw Schalke's players all play their part. However, it was central defender Christoph Metzelder who claims the plaudits, keeping the back line strong.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW

Finally, to finish our round-up of all things Schalke, we take a look at Schalke's group in the Champions League.

FC BARCELONA - Needless to say, this side will take some holding back. Will be one of the favourites when the competition starts.

AFC AJAX - One of the greatest club sides ever. Ajax have produced some of the most talented players of all time. The current crop will certainly test Schalke to the max.

WISLA KRAKOW - The weakest team in the group. On Paper. Schalke need to learn they should not underestimate Polish sides, and Wisla are one of the best.​

 

[cfc12345]

some good results and good signings lads enjoying it so far keep up the good work

 

[Chris]

Great update Stu.

Loving this.