Schalke coach Huub Stevens
Schalke coach Huub Stevens reserved special praise for goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand for his display in the Gelsenkirchen side’s 2-0 defeat at Bayern Munich on Sunday.
Franck Ribery netted either side of the interval to allow Bayern to pick themselves up after a disappointing result against Basle in midweek, and continue their chase of league leaders Borussia Dortmund.
Hildebrand was at fault in Ribery’s first strike, as he was caught out of position by the Frenchman, but Stevens believes that the 32-year-old was essential for the club to avoid a bigger loss.
“Bayern were the better team today and deserved to win,” Stevens told reporters. “We started out well but conceded on the break.
“We had our chances, but Bayern were clearly better. Special thanks that we only lost 2-0 to Hildebrand.
“We are glad that we are in fourth place.”
Skipper Benedikt Höwedes, amongst other internationals, will join Joachim Löw’s Germany squad to take on France on Wednesday night.
The Royal Blues will try and make amends on Saturday when they visit a troubled SC Freiburg side at the Bodanova Stadium.
Hamburg held Borussia Monchengladbach to a 1-1 draw on Friday night to put a dent in their Bundesliga title hopes.
Mike Hanke gave the Foals the lead on the stroke of half-time, but Tolgay Arslan levelled early in the second half to earn Thorsten Fink’s side a point.