8 Clubs Aiming For The Champions League Again

Schalke managed a quite respectable sixth placed finish in the Bundesliga last season, under former Chelsea boss (and Champions League winner), Roberto Di Matteo. Having spent much of the season in fifth place, contending for fourth, and then only qualifying for the Europa League, Roberto resigned after what was presumably a season they were expected to qualify for the Champions League again.

Currently ranked 11th in UEFA's team rankings, it's no surprise that there are high expectations surrounding the German side. Add to that that they have just four finishes outside of the top eight in the Bundesliga in the last 20 years and they have qualified for the Champions league in each of the last three, it comes without surprise that former Paderborn manager, Andre Breitenreiter, jumped at the chance to takeover from Di Matteo. 

04 were eliminated in the round of 16 last season, despite performing brilliantly against the previous seasons winners, Real Madrid. Spending this season in the Europa League could be a distraction for Die Knappen, but if Breitenreiter can balance the two, a Champions League finish is definitely achievable.