Yakin thinking big with Basel

FC Basel 1893 made it to the last four of the UEFA Europa League last season and coach Murat Yakin is now urging his side to think big and aim for the UEFA Champions League knockout phase.

The Swiss team host FC Schalke 04 on matchday two with the former central defender – who helped Basel reach the group stage for the first time in 2002 – adamant that his charges are capable of getting to the last 16.

"To make it into the next round we have to come second in this group, but I don't think that is something we can't achieve," he told UEFA.com. "We need an FC Basel team like last season's, one that is brave and engaged in our style of play.

"It's a pleasure and a great honour to manage this team in the Champions League," added the 39-year-old. "Like every year, we try to win the domestic league title, but we also try to play attractive football on the international stage.

"We managed to do well in last year's Europa League campaign with players in my team who are young and hungry for success. We're still working on their development today, so it's a great pleasure to be coach at FC Basel."

To hear the full interview with Yakin, click on the video player above.