Bundesliga - Krstajic takes Schalke captaincy

Eurosport - Wed, 18 Mar 10:38:00 2009

Schalke have named Serbia defender Mladen Krstajic club captain after Brazilian stopper Marcelo Bordon resigned from the job.

FOOTBALL 2008-2009 Bundesliga Schalke Krstajic - 0

Schalke were expected to challenge for the title this season but currently lie eighth in the Bundesliga. They failed to qualify for the Champions League group stage and crashed out of the UEFA Cup after finishing bottom of their group.

The Gelsinkirchen side had finished in the Champions League qualification slots for four consecutive seasons but the board's impatience led them to sack coaches Ralf Rangnik and Mirko Slomka in 2005 and 2008 respectively.

Dutchman Fred Rutten was handed the job in the summer and has escaped the sack so far. Team manager Andreas Moeller was axed last week and now the players are taking responsbility for the club's plight.

"I am looking forward to this role and will do everything to help the team play good football," Krstajic (pictured) said. "We still have goals for this season."

Bordon had been skipper for two-and-a-half years but after receiving criticism during the team's slump gave up the armband to focus on his own performances.

"This decision has nothing to do with one game or other things," Bordon told the club's website.

"The time has come for me to pass on the armband. I am very proud to have been the captain of Schalke.

"Now I can concentrate solely on my football and I am convinced that I can be even more useful to the team."

Reda Maher / Eurosport

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  1. schalke should prepare for where they belong - in die­ zwiete liga!

    From wolfmann, on Wed 18 Mar 6:44PM

  2. schalke could be the BEST team in the Bundesliga, but­ they have many things to learn about patience and­ order...

    From Dave, on Wed 18 Mar 5:05PM

  3. HHHHHHHHH
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    From bernardn, on Wed 18 Mar 1:54PM

  4. Schalke should learn how 2 be patient with trainer

    From so.lakas, on Wed 18 Mar 12:32PM
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