The international break draws mixed feelings for European clubs. While those enjoying a fine patch hopes to continue, others could do with a switch in fortunes. There's an immense window for that thanks to FIFA. Schalke 04 understands. …

If Bayern Munich is a sprinter, they’d probably be Usain Bolt. As it is almost useless competing with Bolt in a race, so it is with the Bavarians in the Bundesliga. Yet every season, German clubs line up hoping to be that Justin Gatlin. …

Beyond Bayern Munich’s tiresome domestic hegemony, there’s another trend in German. The new generation tacticians mounting severe onslaught on the Bundesliga dugouts.  The “laptop coaches" as they are known in Deutschland.…

Schalke 04 can enjoy the winter break. The Royal Blues trail only Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga table, looking down on Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Leverkusen and RB Leipzig. Die Konigsblauen finished last season on 43 points, good for…