The Schalke central defender admitted that he had a very good campaign last term and is hopeful of retaining his place in the team.
Joel Matip made a total of 46 appearances in all competitions for Die Knappen last term. The player played a vital role in the club’s third place finish at the end of the season, scoring five goals and accumulating four assists
in total.
Schalke have four players competing for a role in the heart of defence. The likes of Matip, Benedikt Howedes, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Christoph-Metzelder-c9168 and Kyriakos Papadopoulos will fight for the two places in central defence. Howedes is certainly
the first choice, being the captain of the side, which is why three players will be competing for one place.
Matip admitted that the competition for places is very tough at Schalke, but is confident that his display last season will ensure him a place in the back four. The player admitted that there is immense competition at all sides
in the league also which in-turn is very good for the team.
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cameroon-c2865 international is targeting a successful season ahead and is looking forward to continue with his impressive displays in the course of the upcoming season.
“The competition for places is fierce. But it's the same in other Bundesliga teams. I want to assert myself and play as many games as possible again. As a footballer, you have to face the competition,” he was quoted as saying in
an interview.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/VfL-Bochum-c40880 man stated that Huub Stevens is trying his options in training and it is up to him to decide which formation will be ideal for the team.
“Huub Stevens likes to try lots of options in training and during the warm-up games. You have to be fully focused at all times. There's still some time to find the ideal formation before the season starts and until then every player
will want to put himself in contention,” he concluded.
Schalke have had limited transfer activity this summer as they have signed only two players; Roman Neustadter and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tranquillo-Barnetta-c35516, both on a free transfer.
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