Don’t write off Schalke

THOUGH many have written off Schalke as far as reaching the Uefa Champions League final is concerned, the Germany side has enough fire power to see off their semi-final opponents Manchester United in the two- legged contest. Schalke raised eyebrows when they humiliated and then ejected reigning champions Inter Milan in the last eight courtesy of a 6-2 goal aggregate win. Besides beating Inter Milan, they managed to oust reigning Germany champions and four-time champions’ league winners Bayern Munich in the Germany cup final. Schalke have already gone further than their domestic rivals in Europe and in the DFB Pokal, and have all booked their spot in their first ever Champions League semi-final. They may be struggling in the Bundesliga, but Schalke have proven themselves again and again in tournament play.Schalke started the bundesliga season on a low note that forced Coach Felix magath out of his job. But things are different now, Magath’s replacement Ralf Rangnick, has won the respect of his players and the performance of the whole team has improved ever since he arrived at the club. Schalke’s strongest point is their good team work spirit and highly rated goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. At 25 years of age, Neuer has proved to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He has made numerous acrobatic saves during this champion’s league campaign and is not easily beaten by long-range shots. He makes good reflex saves that stopped the likes of top strikers like Samuel Eto of Inter milan to score against him. The fact that Schalke was able to beat Inter Milan and Bayern Munich this season, both last year’s champions league finalists, shows that they have the mental strength to take down strong opposition. Neuer still has at least a decade, if not 15 years left of football in him, and his best years are yet to come. While he has in the past stated his ambition to consistently play Champions League football, he will be eager to prove his fans worth. They play collectively in the defense and midfield. Sometimes their defense is not easy to break and this factor might help them when they meet highly offensive English leaders Manchester united. Schalke defense is inspired by two center-backs in experienced Christopher Metzelder and youngster benidict Howeedes. Korean Uchida and Ghanaian Sarpei provide strength on the flanks and should be effective in stopping Antonio Valencia and Nani if schalke is to succeed against United. Favourites to progress to the Champions League final a head of schalke, and six points clear of Arsenal and Chelsea with five games remaining, United are typically leaving it late to find their form. Mainstays such as Edwin Van der Sar, Nani, Chicharito and Dimitar Berbatov have excelled throughout this campaign, delivering consistency that has too often been found wanting from their team-mates, but as the race for silverware enters the home straight, Ferguson has a number of players more than able to carry the baton over the finishing line. Schalke will also have to watch the brilliance of veteran Ryan Giggs, in 31 games in all competitions this season, the veteran has provided 11 assists to his team-mates and alongside Nani, is still the creator in chief at Old Trafford. He rolled back the years against Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final at Stamford Bridge with an exquisite touch before rolling back to the feet of Wayne Rooney to score. He outlined why he will be so dearly missed when his retirement comes. Giggs is the ideal man to lead United through the final stages of this campaign. Ends