Stevens urges Schalke to lift

Schalke head coach Huub Stevens is focusing on his side only ahead of Saturday’s Bundesliga meeting against Stuttgart.

Despite qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League on top of Group B, Schalke have struggled for form recently.

They have won just two of their past nine matches in all competitions, form which has seen them slip off the pace in the league.

Schalke might still be fourth but they are 13 points behind leaders Bayern Munich and a trip to Stuttgart – who have won three of their last four – could prove tricky on Saturday.

“Away trips can often be difficult,” Stevens said.

“Hopefully we’ll gain some freshness by the time we arrive there. I don’t know what the situation with Stuttgart is.

“I don’t really care about that though, I care more about our own problems, about our injury worries and fitness.”