World Champion Benedikt Höwedes and FC Schalke 04 concluded the first half of the 2015/16 season with a 1-0 victory over TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the start of Bundesliga matchday 17. The win will see the Royal Blues spend Christmas in the top third of the standings having collected 27 points.
Höwedes was satisfied with Schalke's eighth win of the campaign, but has already pointed out that a lot of hard work awaits his team before they return to action in the new year. In an interview on DFB.de, the Schalke skipper talks about their win against Hoffenheim, their record from the first half of the season and his future in Gelsenkirchen.
Question: Benedikt Höwedes, how relieved are you after winning the final game of the year against Hoffenheim?
Benedikt Höwedes: It's obviously a big relief for us. We struggled, but the three points are what matters in the end. We can now enter the winter break with a positive mindset and enjoy Christmas before returning to prepare for the second half of the season. We still have areas where we need to improve, but overall we can be quite happy with what we've achieved so far.
Question: What specific areas are you talking about?
Höwedes: I don't want to go into exact detail now. I know that's what you would like to hear from me, but we handle these things internally. In the end, we have to acknowledge that we are satisfied with this win tonight. Perhaps we were lacking that determination to score a second goal and we also noticed that our legs were getting tired. Playing in three competitions during the first half of the season was quite exhausting.
Question: Would you say that one of these areas that need to be worked on, was evident tonight again as you failed to add to your lead?
Höwedes: Yes, we could and perhaps should've scored more goals in this game, as we had the chances to do so. It would've allowed us to be more relaxed, but instead we made life difficult for ourselves. Certainly it's something that will need to be addressed, but believe me, we won't be doing that over the next two days.
World Champion Benedikt Höwedes and FC Schalke 04 concluded the first half of the 2015/16 season with a 1-0 victory over TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the start of Bundesliga matchday 17. The win will see the Royal Blues spend Christmas in the top third of the standings having collected 27 points.
Höwedes was satisfied with Schalke's eighth win of the campaign, but has already pointed out that a lot of hard work awaits his team before they return to action in the new year. In an interview on DFB.de, the Schalke skipper talks about their win against Hoffenheim, their record from the first half of the season and his future in Gelsenkirchen.
Question: Benedikt Höwedes, how relieved are you after winning the final game of the year against Hoffenheim?
Benedikt Höwedes: It's obviously a big relief for us. We struggled, but the three points are what matters in the end. We can now enter the winter break with a positive mindset and enjoy Christmas before returning to prepare for the second half of the season. We still have areas where we need to improve, but overall we can be quite happy with what we've achieved so far.
Question: What specific areas are you talking about?
Höwedes: I don't want to go into exact detail now. I know that's what you would like to hear from me, but we handle these things internally. In the end, we have to acknowledge that we are satisfied with this win tonight. Perhaps we were lacking that determination to score a second goal and we also noticed that our legs were getting tired. Playing in three competitions during the first half of the season was quite exhausting.
Question: Would you say that one of these areas that need to be worked on, was evident tonight again as you failed to add to your lead?
Höwedes: Yes, we could and perhaps should've scored more goals in this game, as we had the chances to do so. It would've allowed us to be more relaxed, but instead we made life difficult for ourselves. Certainly it's something that will need to be addressed, but believe me, we won't be doing that over the next two days.
Question: Sporting director Horst Heldt confirmed this week that talks to extend your contract have begun. How are they going?
Höwedes: Each side offered their view of things. Everyone expressed their ideas and visions and now we'll sit down for more talks. There is nothing more to say in that regard.
Question: Do you feel that the two parties are closing in on each other?
Höwedes: There are always things that need to be discussed further, while other areas are agreed upon already. What can I say? I have neither signed a new contract, nor have I declined to sign one. I will listen to what they have to say and then decide what is best for both sides.
Question: Will make a decision soon or take your time?
Höwedes: We will take as much time as we need. We don't want to rush into anything but instead continue with this good dialogue. We are not in a rush.
