Stevens not satisfied yet

Schalke manager Huub Stevens says his side have a long way to go before they can consider themselves the finished article.

Stevens’ team have made an excellent start to the 2012/13 campaign, sitting second in the Bundesliga and riding high on top of Champions League Group B.

But the coach insisted his side will not be resting on their laurels as they prepare to tackle Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

“Of course it is going nicely at the moment but we’re not where we want to be yet,” Stevens said. “I hope we will be after 34 games.

“And only then will we strike a balance. Not after just the third or the half or whatever. And I think you always have to look over the end of a season. But until now we’re not unsatisfied.”

Stevens said his team will be wary of Hoffenheim, despite their lowly 14th place in the league.

“Hoffenheim is a team which has its strength in the offense,” Stevens said.

“That’s where we are in demand to show our own qualities. I think we do have a fit team, except from Metze (Christoph Metzelder) and Marco (Hoeger). And we really need that against Hoffenheim.”