Bundesliga: Schalke 04 vs. St Pauli; Schalke in a Must-Win Situation
Felix Magath, the Schalke coach, said that he believed that it could take just one win in the Bundesliga this season to get his side’s season back on track, and he was hopeful that the golden opportunity would come against St Pauli
today.
Schalke have had a terrible start to the season; the Royal Blues have managed to win just a single fixture in the Bundesliga and currently reside at the bottom of the table. They will need all three points against St Pauli today
to move out of the relegation zone.
Magath said that he felt it was time the side gave something back to the fans, especially since it was a home game. He stressed on the importance of a home win, saying that it would be important to send the fans home happy, after
a win at the Arena AufSchalke.
He told reporters, “I am looking forward to the opportunity to finally win a home game in the Bundesliga tomorrow. When you take a look around the league, you can see very clearly that, for example with Bayern Munich, one win
is often all it takes to get things moving.”
Last week’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen has definitely increased the pressure on the Schalke coach, but he refused to accept that his team was in fighting the relegation battle. Some would say the German side’s coach was in denial,
because after all, his side is currently in the relegation zone.
He said, “We are still a long way from the end of the season. And just like I would never speak at this stage of the season about winning the league, I wouldn't like to talk about a relegation battle now either.”
He was hopeful that his side would secure a win today and would move up the table, away from the relegation zone. He added,
“Nevertheless, every game without three points does not take us any closer to our aim of working our way back into mid-table.”
Magath said that he wanted his star striker, Raul, to score more goals; while talking to reporters ahead of the St Pauli match, he said:
“I wish he would have more moments in the penalty area.” Raul was expected to be a success, but the Spaniard has only scored once in 10 appearances.
Magath’s opinion was shared by striker Jan Huntelaar, who partners Raul at the front. He spoke to reporters after a goal less Champions League draw, he said, “I told him on the pitch to stay close to me, and then things will
be easier.”
It is fairly obvious that Schalke need to get their strikers back on track if they plan on winning any matches anytime soon. The problem here lies not within the management or the coach but firepower, which seems to be missing
from the Schalke squad.
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