Schalke vs Hertha Berlin preview - DI Matteo pleads for patience

Posted Friday, October 17, 2014 by PA

Schalke coach Roberto Di Matteo is looking forward to his debut for the Gelsenkirchen club this weekend, but warns at the same time not to expect miracles overnight.

The former Chelsea manager replaced Jens Keller following a 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim a fortnight ago.

His first challenge comes against Hertha Berlin on Saturday and, having only had a few days to get to know his full squad due to international commitments, Di Matteo has asked for the fans to be patient.

"We've got to go step by step, improving bit by bit," he said at a press conference. "You can't have everything all in one go.

"We've got lots of potential in attack, but we've still got to tune a few things in terms of our organisation.

"But the lads are not happy with the points they have and we want to climb the table as quickly as possible."

Schalke have picked up just eight points from their first seven games of the season - the same as opponents Hertha Berlin.

With a change at the helm, though, their director of sport Horst Heldt is expecting an improvement.

"A change in coach always has some kind of an impact," Heldt said on his club's website. "When a new coach arrives, the players want to show themselves off and you can see that with everybody.

"We've got a good team and fantastic fans and these are all things which make me look to the future with optimism."

Di Matteo may come up against one of the members of his successful 2012 Champions League and FA Cup winning Chelsea side in Salomon Kalou, although he only returned from international duty on Thursday.

"I hope he gets back fit and can help us," said Hertha coach Jus Luhukay of the 29-year-old who has scored three goals in five games for the capital club.