Keller confident Schalke can beat Galatasaray

By FOX SPORTS Staff

Having made several high-profile signings, including the likes of striker Didier Drogba and playmaker Wesley Sneijder, during the January transfer window, Galatasaray will head into their clash with Schalke as favourites to progress into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Schalke have not been in the best of form in recent times; Die Königsblauen have only won five points from their last five Bundesliga games, and they currently lie a lowly ninth in their domestic league.

Nonetheless, Keller is already eyeing a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and revealed that he knew exactly how to beat Galatasaray.

"We just can't wait for the match on Wednesday," Keller was quoted as saying by the official Champions League website. 

"Galatasaray are serious opponents, but we have analysed them closely and know how to overcome them.

"We got a point in our last match [at 1. FSV Mainz 05], showing that we can come back if we fall behind. 

"As I've said before, we have come here to get a good result. 

"I'm also very excited because it will be my first match in the UEFA Champions League as a coach. 

"Our initial target was reaching the round of 16; now we are targeting the quarter-finals."

Keller also pinpointed his key players for the tie and backed them to shine for Schalke.

"Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has recovered and he will certainly make a big contribution for us," Keller added.

"Michel Bastos is a key player for us, he featured in the last World Cup. 

"Max Meyer is very determined and he'll have a place in the team on Wednesday."

Keller only took charge of Schalke last December after a poor run of results saw previous coach Huub Stevens fired.