2011-12 Season Preview
Last Season: 14th
Expectations: Euro Qualification
Star Player: Raul
Key Recruit: Lewis Holtby
Schalke fans will be seething, having seen their arch-rivals, Borussia Dortmund claim the title last season. Even worse, the Gelsenkirchen club finished a lowly 14th- completely off the pace for European qualification, let alone the title. After replacing controversial Felix Magath, Huub Stevens will be expected to guide Schalke back to continental competition, of any kind.
Manuel Neuer's move to rivals Bayern Munich has to be the key change at the club, this season. Losing a world class keeper when looking to get back into the upper reaches of the table is problematic to put it mildly. Neuer's stunning performances between the sticks was often the only thing keeping Scahlke in games that otherwise would have been lost causes for them. His supreme judgement, aerial confidence, and lightning fast reflexes will be tough to replace. Ralk Fahrmann, who spent three years at Eintracht Frankfurt after moving from Schalke has returned to Gelsenkirchen, and will face the unenviable task of replacing Neuer in goals. However, he performed admirably in the Super Cup against Dortmund, helping the team win the cup after penalties.
Despite last season's woes, the Royal Blues still have talent to call upon. New captain Benedikt Howdes will marshall the defense alongside Christian Metzelder, Japanese wing-back Atsuto Uchida, and teenager Kyriakos Papadopoulos. Julian Draxler is one of Germany's many bright young stars, and just how far his talent develops this season will be interesting to monitor. And, of course, there is the legendary Raul, who has continued to perform for his new club, particularly in their highly impressive run to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Schalke's activity in the transfer market has been limited. Apart from Fahrmann, the only notable signing has been the three million euro transfer of Christian Fuchs, who impressed at fullback for Mainz last season.
Schalke's run in the Champions League shows how much potential the team has. They won't be playing in Europe this season, but are certainly capable of qualifying for the next edition.