Schalke keen to improve

Schalke are determined to put a disappointing Bundesliga campaign behind them as they prepare for the new season.

The club finished 14th in the German top flight last term, and despite a Champions League run that was ended by Manchester United in the semi-finals, the season is one Schalke general manager Horst Heldt is keen to forget.

The task ahead for manager Ralf Rangnick – who replaced the sacked Felix Magath in March – in 2011-12 was made more difficult by the sale of star goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to Bayern Munich.

But speaking at the club’s annual general meeting, Heldt said the team was united in its vision for the future, and said the meeting had been a productive one.

“I think it has been a very good meeting, we have found a very good mix between recognition of the past and laying the path for the future,” Heldt said.

“It has been a very long meeting but we all can be very happy with it.”

“We had a vote, we have made some decisions and even though this has been my first board meeting with Schalke I have to say that we should and can be very happy with it.”

“We all have experienced a rift, a giant rift. That is one reason for everything that was said today, for the discussions and for the recognition.”

“It is important that we’ve done that and I am full of hope that we are on a way back to grow together.”

Club president Clemens Toennies said he was relieved the club could begin concentrating on matters on the pitch again soon.

“We are looking forward to the fact that we soon will be playing football again,” Toennies said.

“We will begin to train very soon.”

“Horst Heldt in cooperation with Ralf Rangnick has started to form the team and I think he already has formed some good building blocks. I think we will have a good season.”