“Hello Schalker,

A more than successful season is behind us and we can all be very satisfied with the season. Already at the last home match against Hertha BSC brought us a 4-0 win and a direct qualification for the Champions League was in the bag. In addition, the Veltins Arena was sold out for the last appearances of two audience favourites and top priorities: Señor Raul and Mathias Schober.

In his last game, our world class Spanish striker even scored a goal and for “Schobi” the chants and applause from the bench will never be forgotten. It was really emotional during and after the game. Compliments to the Schalke managers, as they passed alongside Raul and Mathias Schober, Hans Sarpei and Levan Kenia. For each player, there was a box office movie on the video cube and the team faced the stage trellis. Compliment to our fans who stayed in the stadium until the end and they and the players provided a worthy farewell.

Also a worthy setting, we had in the friendly match in Haltern am See. 3,000 fans at the sold out arena reservoir ensured a rollicking carnival atmosphere. For years both Christoph Metzelder and I, played in the youth of the TuS Haltern and my father is still in the active coaching team. For everyone involved it was a great experience and I will surely never forget it. 

What I expect even from my first participation in a major football tournament. Since the nomination I am looking forward to the European Championship and the time with the national team. I start the recovery at a training camp in Sardinia. Then we will go onto southern France. The final nomination will be on 29th May and six days later, the departure is the EM-quarters in Gdansk, where I will hopefully be on board the special machine.

See you soon!
Your Benni”

(Source - Google translated)

Champions League firmly in our sights

Hello Schalker

Long, long ago, as I reported here last time with you. That was after the bitter 1-2 defeat at Freiburg, where to make matters worse after the defeat, I had torn a muscle in my left thigh, which forced me to take a longer break and to watch. You can believe me, that for a professional athlete there is nothing worse than to idly sit in the stands unable to help the team.

Fortunately, I was finally back in the starting line up last week in the 1-1 away draw in Augsburg. Although the result was absolutely not to my taste, but at least we still have two games remaining are are still comfortable in the situation that we have direct qualification for the Champions League in our own hands.

We are two points we are in front of our fiercest rivals; Moenchengladbach and I am firmly convinced that we will keep the edge and we will defend third place. There is however imperative that we win our home game against Hertha BSC. You know how dangerous an ailing team is, they are dangerous and we must not underestimate them.

I’m sure we will go with full concentration for this difficult task. We also want to say goodbye to the Veltins Arena with a sense of achievement of our loyal and fantastic fans.

Your Benni

(Source - Google translated)

Hello Schalker,

That was really a Saturday to remember. With the 1:2 in Freiburg for the time being we have lost the connection to the table top.Particularly bitter but the fact is that our lead is melted in the fifth onfour points. We now need to quickly get up again, because it would really be a dream in the next season playing in the ChampionsLeague may be.

That are home to Freiburg especially great performances in a position to have shown the last few weeks. Even against Bayernmanaged the Sports Club 0-0, but still we must not let the points lieso lightly. Finally, the opportunities were there to take you to thecounter from the Breisgau. Now we need to pursue redress against HSV. Three points are vital to our pursuers continue to keep their distance.

Bitter is also my injury, because of I in the 53th Minutes had to be replaced. It is a torn muscle in his left thigh. In all likelihood I‘m going to be out for three weeks, etc. in the two games against Enschede.But I’m sure the guys will find me without a return to the track.

Was a great honor to me yesterday on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, granted. Together with Germany coach Joachim Loew, DFBteam manager Oliver Bierhoff and my team-mate Mario Götze Icould imagine as a brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz A-Class. In the future I will act as a representative of the brand. This is really great because I’m an avid fan for years of Mercedes-Benz.Especially the design of the new A-Class I‘m excited: Super sporty,but still a Mercedes. This is a style that I like personally very well.

Your Benni

(Source - google translated)

Hello Schalker,

Today I sign up again with an update …  

The bitter defeat in Monchengladbach is now digested, althoughit was damn annoying. But in both the Champions League game in Pilsen and in the Bundesliga with VfL Wolfsburg, we demonstrated the necessary response.  

In Pilsen we played but not outstanding, but came back into the game after falling behind and eventually achieved a reasonable result. With the 1-1 behind us, we now have every chance ofreaching the knockout stages on Thursday the Europa League.We must not underestimate Pilsen but that has shown the first leg. Moreover, the Czechs have beaten this year in the Champions League against Barcelona and AC Milan already bravely.  

The game against our former coach Felix Magath’s Wolfsburgand I had to follow, unfortunately, from the stands. After my fifth yellow card, I was unfortunately blocked.

The game also made it off the field a lot of fun and we’d even be able to gain even greater than 4:0. The Wolfsburg were on that day a grateful opponents and the fans could enjoy a great team effort and great offensive actions.  So, see you on Thursday at the stadium. With your support we willtake our game and reach the second round!  

Glück auf!

Benni

Berlin, Berlin, we’re going to Berlin!

Hey guys!

The last league game is ready to kick off - now is a little time to let the admittedly rather average season’s events. Of course, we are left in this season of the Bundesliga with our expectations. We have made many mistakes and have received a receipt for it.

On the other hand, we can be satisfied with our performance in his Champions League and the Cup of course completely. We are among the top four clubs in Europe and are also on Saturday still in the Cup Final. Thus, it was certainly not a lost year for us.

The match in Berlin, I expect, of course with special anticipation. For any footballer it would be an absolute highlight, of course, once to enter the Olympic stadium and there to play for the DFB Cup. The problem could be our favorites. Often, you tend to take it too loose. But we will not pass.

We know that Duisburg can certainly play good football, otherwise they would now probably not be where they are. In addition, it is also perhaps one of the MSV-time thing. I can not imagine that they will not give their all for the Cup victory.

For us the triumph in Berlin would be the best season finale, which you can wish for. In addition, the cup is our last chance to win a spot in European competition. Reason alone, it is our duty to win the cup final. I know you will support us. I am looking forward very much!

A congratulations goes out even to the user ‘maler04’, who won the football pool and therefore deserves a signed Match Worn Jersey from me. There is even one from the Champions League. Have fun!

Wish us your thumbs for Berlin!

Blue King Regards,

Your Benni 

Source - Benni’s website - google translated

Without Benedikt Höwedes the Schalke team travels to Munich’s Allianz Arena, where on Saturday evening: Inaugural with FC Bayern. This season it is the third meeting with the South Germans. And so far, royal blue retained in both the League and the DFB Cup the upper hand. Head coach Ralf Rangnick sees the game as an ideal test for the Champions League return leg on Wednesday.

Then, Höwedes could accumulate again for the Gelsenkirchen. First, they wanted to wait but this weekend, and then make a decision whether Benni is eligible for the match in Manchester. Although the healing process has started, but one can not foresee exactly how long this will last.

So on Saturday’s called ‘fingers crossed’ for the central defender. The miners could succeed in “Bayern hat-trick.” It is also clear that the FCB is in the Bundesliga under immense pressure. After the sacking of coach Luis van Gaal will lead the interim solution Andries Jonker record champion again in the Champions League - for which Bavaria would pass by Hanover 96. Despite the surprising situation, the table Munich are unbeaten in six games (four wins, two draws) and accurately in addition: In the last 16 league games, hit Schalke’s opponents by 23-goal striker Mario Gomez always in the net. Last one was scoreless in December 2010, and that all things on Schalke (0-2).

In the meantime, Table S04 beckons again a single digit room table. The Hamburger SV (7 / 43 points) is still within reach. It is also important to “develop self-confidence for the job in Manchester in Munich, said Ralf Rangnick.

Admittedly, the fact that the Dutchman Arjen Robben after red card suspension dismounted back again, makes the inaugural away any easier. “We must ensure that the seals Bayern come with her quartet, Thomas Muller, Franck Ribery and Mario Gomez just too few opportunities. But at the same time we must search our own opportunities in the counterattack,” says Nick rank. will look like, however, the establishment of the 52-year-old, decides the final practice. “We must first make an image of who has put away the game like on Tuesday.” Definitely present in addition Höwedes are long-term absentees Christian Pander (toe surgery), Chris Moritz (patellar tendon), Mario Gavranovic (Syndesmoseriss) and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (medial ligament strain). At Bayern Luiz Gustavo missing due to a yellow card suspension.

Source - Benni’s website, translated by google translate

Rangnick wants three points immediately

On Friday evening, a guest of the FC Schalke 04 in Hamburg FC St. Pauli. Has for his return to the dugout of Schalke, Ralf Rangnick same made a lot: “We want to start with three points in the remaining season,” said the football coach who trained already from September 2004 to December 2005, the miners and after all the runners and the Celebrated reaching the Cup semi-finals.

”I personally am excited to present how the players. We have worked intensively and are replaced. What is important now that the team also shows in the game of life, “said Rangnick, who knows that this game also with regard to the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday. Folded the dress rehearsal? A sure-the game at Millerntor but not “. I have with my previous teams played several times at FC St. Pauli’s why I know what is there to get rid of” the new, old Schalke coach said before his comeback, warns Moreover, “Even if our opponents, some players injured in missing, we know that St. Paul will go to great effort to work We must be prepared..”

Who is on Friday evening in Hamburg, however, from the start to be there, wanted the football coach, come on. “Of course I‘ve already made my thoughts, but the first team is not yet. I would like to wait for the final practice.” Definitely will be without Nick rank of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Quite possible, therefore, that in addition to Raul Farfan storms, as the head coach is also considering a change in midfield.

One should be clear: Benedikt Höwedes will be in the starting lineup.

Source - Benni’s website - translated by google translate

No points against the WerkselfIn the Rhineland to Schalke 04 on Sunday had a strong team Leverkusen defeated. Without Jefferson Farfán (yellow card suspension) and the vergrippten Peer Kluge conceded the miners in the first round, the two goals for the 0-2 (0-2) broke. Bayer 04 cheered by the results of Eren Derdiyok (19) and Christoph Metzelder (27, own goal), “Royal Blue” beamed the other hand, barely out offensive threat. Best man was among the guests goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Keeper of the National defused the same in the early stages against Sidney Sam (8) and Michael Ballack also drew powerful header from the 9thMinutes in addition to brilliant goal. In Jersey the only guest Edu Bayer keeper Rene Adler brought a low shot (16) in danger, but Daniel Schwaab could be clarified.

Further, it was reserved to Leverkusen, to make a splash. In midfield the home side only put their stamp on the game and finally came to their first goal. After a long ball from Ballack on the Swiss Derdiyok it had happened to Neuer’s clean slate. The Bayer striker took the ball from a tight angle right and hammered it into the top corner to make it 1-0 (19th). Criticism there was in this scene from the Schalke camp because they had “referee Wolfgang Stark directly in front of goal with a challenge on Lukas Schmitz ‘advantage’ given.

Shortly after, Christoph Metzelder then ran under a thick block that led to 0-2. The already ailing S04 defender headed home a cross from Renato Augusto unhappy in your own goal (27), with no new debt met. Until the break, the guests were running after a 0-2 residue - without success.

Schalke took the second 45 minutes into the game a little better, but remained a good shot of Jurado (67) is the best possible score. Adler was in the scene at hand - just like his counterpart in New One-on-one with Sam three minutes before the end of the game. Thus, it was the two-goal gap.

Schalke caretaker coach Seppo Eichkorn was pleased with the performance in the first half not at all satisfied. Other hand, we have worked much better after the break. “This kind of performance I would have liked before the break. What has been lacking but still was driving gate. We had little chance,” Eichkorn said after the only head coach use.

His successor, Ralf Rangnick was presented officially to the miners, even against St. Pauli of the returnees will be sitting on the bench in Gelsenkirchen. And at his first press conference Rangnick were equal before the new course: “We want to play in the next few weeks successfully and also develop a playing style that can detect when you want a real team stands in the square when registering the fans. They are the twelfth man for us and a real weapon. “

Translated by google translate

In Gelsenkirchen, look back to a truly tumultuous week. Only the termination of a contract with Felix Magath, Bernd Hollerbach and Werner Leuthard, then the announcement of the successor to coach Ralf Rangnick. And now stands firmly with Inter Milan also the next Champions League opponents. Since the FC Schalke should not only lose sight of the tasks in the Bundesliga. On Sunday (15.30 clock) must be S04, Bayer 04 Leverkusen ‘ran - for the first and probably the only time under interim coach Seppo Eichkorn.

The opponents of the Rhine countries are still in fine form, winning four of their last five Bundesliga games and are as runners on the best Champions League course. Painfully, however, should be the last Champions League games of the work of Self. Against Villarreal had to be twice defeated and resigned on Thursday, ultimately earned from the competition. This German team Schalke 04, the last in international business is (!).

Leverkusen’s strength lies without doubt in the offensive. Bayer 04 scored in all competitive matches of the season to 88 goals and 35 more than the miners. But the middle group of Heynckes-Eleven contributed 33 goals.

In the Schalke defense will be the next opponent, however, must refrain from Manuel Friedrich (fracture of the scapula). With “Royal Blue” is missing Jefferson Farfan, who has seen the fifth yellow card.

Coach carousel

On the dismissal of Felix Magath on Wednesday followed the termination of a contract with assistant Bernd Hollerbach and conditioning coach Werner Leuthard. Both are drawn with Schalke’s former coach to VfL Wolfsburg. For the miners, meanwhile, still leads Seppo Eichkorn the training, to Ralf Rangnick will be presented officially on Monday. Eichkorn Leverkusen celebrates his head coach premiere. Even in the game against FC St. Pauli takes over but Rangnick.

Held: Holtby back to Schalke

A return of the Mainz midfielder Luis Holtby is for information of the “Westdeutsche Allgemeine” done deal. According to Schalke manager Horst Held the 21-year-old in the upcoming season will again wear the jersey of the Royal Blues. Coach Ralf Rangnick had already sought to Hoffenheim times by the young international.

CL: In the quarter-finals awaits Inter

As the draw in Nyon, Switzerland this afternoon revealed will meet Schalke in the quarter-finals of the Champions League Inter Milan. On 5 April there in Italy S04 pickup. The return match will be held on 13th April at the Veltins-Arena. The winner could meet in the semifinals then to Manchester United or Chelsea.

Source - Benni’s website - translated by google translate