“There’s hardly anything bigger”: Schalke’s Timo Becker fired up for Hertha opener

A new season brings fresh hope at FC Schalke 04, with defender Timo Becker confident the club can present a different face in the 2. Bundesliga after last year’s disastrous campaign.

“There’s a good sense of togetherness in the squad, we get on really well,” Becker said in a club interview ahead of Friday night’s league opener against Hertha BSC.

New head coach Miron Muslic, appointed this summer, has impressed the 28-year-old with his work ethic. “The coaches demand a lot from us every day – and you can feel that Miron also wants to improve as a coach daily. He gives 110 percent and brings the necessary enjoyment to the job. That carries the whole team along,” Becker explained.

Schalke will host Hertha at a sold-out Veltins-Arena on Friday evening (kick-off 20:30 CEST).

Becker: “Hertha are one of the strongest opponents”

“I’m absolutely buzzing for this match! It’s brilliant to start the league with the whole country watching. Two big clubs, floodlights, a full house – there’s hardly anything bigger. If you’re not up for that, there’s no helping you,” Becker enthused.

The defender has huge respect for Stefan Leitl’s Hertha side: “They’re one of the strongest opponents this year. Looking at their squad and their new signings, they’re clearly aiming for promotion and they’ve made that pretty clear. They also have a good coach, who I’ve faced many times before.”

Becker stressed Schalke must make life difficult for the Berliners: “We know our strengths and we have to make it uncomfortable for them. It’s down to us as a team, and I’m feeling positive.”