Germany

Schalke Coach Felix Magath Wary Of Stuttgart Midfielder Aliaksandr Hleb

Hleb has been pinpointed as a match-winner by Magath, who believes his side are facing Stuttgart at an opportune moment...

Oct 16, 2009 12:17:12 PM

Bundesliga: 1899 Hoffenheim - Schalke 04, Felix Magath (firo)

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Bundesliga: 1899 Hoffenheim - Schalke 04, Felix Magath (firo)

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Gelsenkirchen outfit Schalke lock horns with Stuttgart on Saturday as the Konigsblauen look to defend their third spot in the Bundesliga table, but head coach Felix Magath has made it clear that beating the Schwaben won't be easy.

"In recent years Schalke have often struggled to pick up points in Stuttgart. It would be nice if that were to change this season," Magath was quoted as saying at a press conference.

"Their current ranking in the table [13th] shows that Stuttgart have a few problems at the moment. In [Mario] Gomez they have lost a key player. However, Aliaksandr Hleb's a top-class attacking midfielder who is capable of deciding a game all on his own. But having worked with him in the past, I believe I know how to set my team up against him.

"When Marcelinho left Wolfsburg a few seasons ago Zvjezdan Misimovic slipped into his role and it took a while for the team to readjust. With Stuttgart going through a similar process, it's a great opportunity for us to record a win.

"My time in charge at Stuttgart was a difficult situation because we couldn't make any transfers and had to work with young players. That period produced a lot of players who they were able to sell on later."

Stefan Coerts, Goal.com