Ralf Rangnick rejects allegations that Raul’s omission resulted in Schalke defeat
Schalke manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ralf-c30492 Rangnick believes his side were completely off colour against HJK Helsinki during the first leg of their UEFA Europa League tie. Both sides locked horns on Thursday, August 18, at Stadion Finnair.
Rangnick brushed aside allegations saying that Raul’s absence became the cause for defeat. He further told that the use of artificial pitch in Finland prompted him to leave Raul back home and not to risk the ageing Spaniard.
The manager clearly stated that Raul’s presence in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/HJK-c39532 were superior to his team and made better use of the artificial turf. The manager expressed disappointment
at his team’s unexpected defeat but was confident about making a decisive comeback in the second leg that is to be played on Thursday, August 25 at the Veltins Arena.
The former Hoffenheim manager enthused that his team has all the potential to launch a comeback despite being 2-0 down going into the second leg. The 53-year-old was optimistic about http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Raul-c30652’s stay at the club this summer. He confirmed about interest from French
Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain and did not rule out the possibility of a transfer.
While talking to the local media, the manager further added, "We just chose the wrong means for long spells of the game and played into the Finns' hands. With these means, it would not have been any easier even with Raul. We have got to learn from our errors.
Helsinki played tactically well and then they used the surface to their advantage. We are able to score three, four or five goals, like we did against Cologne, especially as we will be playing on natural grass."
Rangnick took charge of the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/1-FSV-Mainz-05-c38166 05
in their next league game on Sunday, August 21, before hosting HJK Helsinki at Veltins Arena four days later.
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