Matip backs Schalke to challenge

Schalke defender Joel Matip says that his side will look to challenge on all fronts in the forthcoming campaign.

Schalke finished third in the Bundesliga last term to qualify for the Champions League, and Matip is keen for success both in Europe and domestically.

“It’s very difficult to make any predictions, but we obviously want to do well in all three competitions,” the Cameroon international said.

“Because you finished last season in third place, you can’t say that fourth place will do in the new campaign. We’ll have to wait and see how we start, but it’s important to start the season on a high.

“Dortmund and Bayern are the favourites to win the title. There’s no denying that Dortmund have done some great things in recent years.”

Schalke start the new Bundesliga season with an away trip to Hannover on August 24.