Neustadter rushes to Keller defence

Posted Saturday, September 13, 2014 by Foxsports.com

They travel to face Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday evening having lost their opening game of the season, but recovered to draw with Bayern Munich a fortnight ago.

That result has done little to raise Keller's appreciation rating and Neustadter says the ongoing attacks are getting monotonous.

"I think it's all absolutely ridiculous," he told the Rheinische Post newspaper in an interview to be published on Saturday. "The things that go on here at Schalke are incredible.

"That applies in particular to certain media outlets. You get the impression that all they want to do is unsettle us here. I don't understand why."

Keller was a controversial choice when he replaced Huub Stevens in charge of the Royal Blues and he has hardly been given a fair ride since, despite successfully leading the club into the Champions League two seasons in a row.

They take they season's bow in that competition at Chelsea on Wednesday with Keller still walking a tightrope, according to the general consensus in Gelsenkirchen. Not, however, from anybody within the club.

"The coach is doing a great job," Neustadter added. "Thing are all called into question again after just two games and I think that's too much.

"I think Jens Keller and all of us can just laugh about it all."

Monchengladbach coach Lucien Favre certainly does not share the criticism of his colleague and he has warned of the danger his side's guests will pose.

"They are working very well there," he said. "They picked up a point against Bayern and I think that says all that has to be said about the quality of this side."

Favre is spoilt for choice in terms of his squad selection, although with seven games to come in the next 22 days, that is arguably a blessing.

"Given the schedule of games we've got, there are bound to be changes in the coming time and that makes it all the more important that we have versatile players among our ranks," Favre said.