Schalke seek Brøndby boost

By Manfred Christoph

Having entered the season with high expectations under new coach Jupp Heynckes, FC Schalke 04 have endured a disappointing start to the new campaign. Heynckes's side currently lie tenth in the Bundesliga and, after being knocked out of the DFB-Pokal in the second round by SC Freiburg, now turn their full attention to the UEFA Cup and tonight's visit of Brøndby IF.

Slow start
Three wins and five draws in eleven league matches represent a poor return. Furthermore, their exit from the German Cup came after SC Freiburg produced a devastating display in extra time to record an extraordinary 7-3 success after the match had finished 3-3 after 90 minutes.

Injury woe
Schalke's problems started in pre-season with serious injuries to two key players, German international Jörg Böhme - who is sidelined until next year with a ruptured cruciate ligament - and Niels Oude Kamphuis. Preparations were further hampered by Emile Mpenza's departure in late August for Belgian side R. Standard de Liège.

Vital win
However, Kamphuis returned in Schalke's 2-0 win against FC Bayern München on Saturday, and the Dutch defender emphasised how much he had been missed as he scored the second goal and was also named man of the match.

Tough tasks
The Bayern game could prove to be a turning point as Schalke are facing a crucial week with the UEFA Cup second round first-leg match at home against Brøndby followed by a visit to Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 1997 UEFA Cup winners need a string of positive results to lift the mood at the Arena AufSchalke, and relieve the pressure on Heynckes - a former coach of VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bayern and Eintracht Frankfurt, who won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid CF in 1998.

Trophy collection
The former German international striker is accustomed to success, having won two German championships with Bayern and led Athletic Club Bilbao to the verge of UEFA Cup qualification last season. As a player his career also included a UEFA Cup victory with Mönchenglabach in 1975.

Future plans
The man who appointed him, Rudi Assauer, recently secured the signings of SV Werder Bremen duo Mladen Krstajic and Ailton, with both due to join next summer. The Schalke general manager promises that more signings will follow. "We certainly will sign three more established players of international class," he said, before expressing his desire to commemorate the club's centenary in 2004 in appropriate fashion. "We want to be the third power in Germany soon."

Neighbours cooperate
Schalke are also planning to form a close relationship with neighbouring third division club SG Wattenscheid 09, which will enable their reserve players to gain invaluable first-team experience.

Faith in the young
The partnership has already born fruit, with promising youngster Hamit Altintop joining from Wattenscheid and making an impressive start to his professional career. Heynckes has also given a first-team chance to striker Mike Hanke, who turned 20 on 5 November.

Immediate impact
Hanke made an instant impression in the first team, scoring a vital goal in the UEFA Cup first round against NK Kamen Ingrad, and Heynckes insists he will keep faith in the young, local players. "We need young and hungry players from the region," the Schalke coach said. "We must think ahead."