Schalke Football Club News

• Nickname:Die Konigsblauen
• Founded:1904
• Manager:Huub Stevens

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Magath defends Metzelder capture

13 May 2010 - 15:44:24

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Schalke manager Felix Magath has defended his decision to sign Real Madrid defender Christoph Metzelder.

The 29-year-old, who has penned a three-year contract, earned the wrath of the Royal Blues' supporters when he played for arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund.

He sold T-shirts on his personal website that ridiculed Schalke after they narrowly missed out on the Bundesliga titles in 2001 and 2007 but Magath wants the Gelsenkirchen public to support his choice.

Speaking to reporters, he said: "I beg you to give him a chance, even if he did not behave particularly correctly once a few years ago.

"Together with us, he has the same aim of finishing the season above our neighbours. I am glad that we were able to sign him."