The Die Knappen goalkeeper is confident that he will be given the task of representing the first team next season as he has the experience on his side.
Timo Hildebrand joined Schalke last season after first choice goalkeeper, Ralf Fahrmann, suffered a long-term injury and was ruled out for the season. The player initially signed a deal until the end of the season, but has since
extended his stay at the Veltins-Arena by another year.
For the next campaign, Schalke have as many as three shot stoppers fighting for the number one spot, but Hildebrand believes that he deserves his place in the starting line-up. The German international insisted that he should be
given the task to play from the start as he has the fitness and experience.
The former Stuttgart man stated that Die Knappen will be playing in the UEFA Champions League next term and the side cannot afford to give young and inexperienced players a chance at the highest stage. He added that the experience
of playing in the competition and at the international level will help him next season and is confident of a place in the starting XI.
“We are at Schalke, a side in the Champions League and there is no time for development phase. You need to work immediately. And if we are talking about age, then that speaks for me because I have the most experience,” he was quoted
as saying in an interview.
On the other hand, the 33-year old admitted that he was lucky to get a contract at Schalke as both Ralf Fahrmann and Lars Unnerstall suffered long-term injuries and the club had to go into the market for another player. He is willing
to give his all for the team in the next campaign and is certain of a successful season.
“I know that several favourable events contributed to me getting a contract with Schalke. The injury to Ralf Fahrmann and the departure of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ralf-c30492 Rangnick just prior to that - I don't think that he would have signed me after our
time together with Hoffenheim,” he concluded.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Timo-Hildebrand-c35115 made four league appearances for Die Knappen last season before an elbow injury ruled him out.
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