Thursday, April 14, 2011

Rangnick hails players



Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick praised his players after the German side knocked holders Inter out of the Champions League.



The German side secured their place in the final four for the first time in their history with a 2-1 win on Wednesday night to go through 7-3 on aggregate.



Schalke will now face Manchester United in the semi-finals and Ragnick was delighted with his side's two performances against Inter.



"We've produced two great performances," said Rangnick.



"If you only allow the Champions League winners a couple of chances, you know you have played well.



"Each player worked hard for each other and that was the key to our success."



"A semi-final in the Champions League is something extraordinary for all of us and against Manchester United we will start in a similar position to how we began against Inter: as clear outsiders.



"But again, anything can happen and if it all goes to plan we can reach the final. First we have to produce some good results in the Bundesliga to give us a boost: with every positive result our Champions League chances improve."



Meanwhile, Schalke's veteran striker Raul, who opened the scoring on Wednesday, admits he is allowing himself to dream of a return to the final.



"It's incredible - a great moment. It's great to be part of this team," he said. "With so many new players having arrived, to find ourselves rubbing shoulders with the best three teams in Europe is hugely satisfying.



"We will try to enjoy this situation but we know we will have to work hard over the next two weeks to prepare for the semi-finals.



"We have won twice against the reigning European club champions; we were the better side in both games and now we must face a really complicated semi-final against Manchester United. We have to get it out of our heads that we are playing a big team like United and believe that we can reach the final, even though we won't be favourites."




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