Schalke turn to Breitenreiter

Schalke have appointed Andre Breitenreiter as their new coach on a two-year contract.

Roberto Di Matteo resigned last month after only seven months in charge of the club – following a dismal run of two wins from 10 matches.

Schalke failed to secure a UEFA Champions League spot by finishing sixth in the Bundesliga and Breitenreiter has been charged with taking the Gelsenkirchen club forward.

The 41-year-old guided Paderborn to promotion to the German top flight for the first time in their history last term, but they finished bottom in the 2014-15 campaign to make an immediate return to Bundesliga 2.

While Paderborn prepare for life back in the second tier, Breitenreiter has been given the chance to remain in the Bundesliga and will be expected to challenge at the other end of the table.

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt told the club’s official website: “We are very happy to have found in Andre Breitenreiter the right head coach for FC Schalke 04.

“After the departure of Roberto Di Matteo I have emphasised what we expect from the new coach: attractive, passionate attacking football and a team spirit, the enthusiasm of our fans.

“Andre Breitenreiter has fully convinced all those responsible that he is the right person for our goals. He is a young, brave coach who is not afraid of unpopular decisions.

“With SC Paderborn he has proven that he can continue to develop talent.”