Schalke have learned lesson – Altıntop

FC Schalke 04 forward Halil Altıntop believes his team can overturn a 1-0 deficit at FC Barcelona and qualify for a first-ever UEFA Champions League semi-final – despite the problems affecting the Bundesliga side.

Weekend win
Media criticism of coach Mirko Slomka and the public dissatisfaction of striker Kevin Kuranyi after he was relegated to the bench for Saturday's 1-0 defeat of FC Hansa Rostock have taken the shine off Schalke's fine domestic run of 13 points from five matches. But the 25-year-old Turkish international promises that Schalke will be much improved from their home loss to Barcelona last week.

Source of confidence
"With all due respect to Barcelona, we know that in the first half of the first leg we really didn't know how to close them down and didn't show anything like our best," Altıntop said. "However, we all know that the complete change of tactics in the second 45 minutes brought us numerous goalscoring chances and we've taken self-belief from that experience. I think we all accept that the coach has been getting a difficult time but my opinion is that we are going well in the league and, if we can continue that and transfer our domestic form to this test against Barça, then I see no reason why Mirko should not continue at Schalke."

Kuranyi backing
Altıntop's colleague Kuranyi was substituted in the 60th minute in Gelsenkirchen, long after Bojan Krkić had given Barcelona their lead. And although the German international was brought on against Rostock, it was Altıntop's winner which allowed Schalke to depart for Catalonia in good spirits. Despite revelling in his own form, however, the No19 is also backing Kuranyi to bounce back against Barcelona.

Next step
"I am really enjoying my role at the moment which is playing a little bit behind the strikers and in front of the midfield," explained Altıntop. "It suits my strengths but I also benefit from playing with Kevin when he's in the starting lineup. I know he has said how tough it is not to start but he made good chances coming off the bench at the weekend and, personally, I am sure we will see the best of Kevin Kuranyi in the Camp Nou. I am in top shape, I am confident and now the team have an opportunity to show we learned from the first game and to take a historic step forward."