Schalke’s sporting director insisted that Huub Stevens will decide the captain for the new campaign, hence raising doubts whether Benedikt Howedes will retain the armband.
There has been widespread talk regarding who will be Schalke’ captain for the new season in the past few weeks. Defender and current skipper Benedikt Howedes has insisted that he expects to retain the role despite an injury plagued
season last term. He stated that guiding the team to a third place finish and the quarter-final of the UEFA Europa League should be enough for him to carry on with the role.
However, Schalke’s sporting director Horst Heldt believes that it will be manager Huub Stevens’ decision on who he feels is the right man for the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684. The chief claimed that as of now, certainly Howedes is the club’s captain and
admitted that there are chances that Stevens also has the same choice.
Heldt stressed that Howedes missed a chunk of last season through injury and only made 22 league appearances which is not enough. He added that the player has great leadership skills and a great character, but he will have to work
on his fitness.
“The decision for who is captain in the upcoming season will be the coach's. Standing now, however, Benedikt Howedes is our captain. Bene has a mixed season behind him but that is mainly due to injuries. He has an impeccable character.
Now we need to explore together how it can be better for the next season,” he was quoted as saying in an interview.
On the other hand, the sporting director stated that the player has to face some stiff competition from some other players in the team for the role, but is convinced that the German international has all what it takes for the job.
“Bene is an integral part here. Of course he is in a competition, but that is the same for our goalkeeper and midfielders too. Nevertheless he remains a leading figure,” he concluded.
Benedikt Howedes has thus far made 115 league appearances for his boyhood club and has scored seven times in the process.
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