Schalke´s Farfan confident of title challenge

8 August 2012 04:40

Jefferson Farfan believes Schalke are capable of breaking Borussia Dortmund's grip on the Bundesliga title in 2012/13.

Huub Stevens' Schalke side remained in the hunt for the championship for long periods of last season, before seeing their arch-rivals pull away and retain their crown.

It seemed Farfan was set to leave the Veltins Arena for much of the past campaign, but he has now signed a new deal contracting him to the club until 2016.

And the Peru international has said he came to the decision to stay in Gelsenkirchen due to his certainty he could win trophies.

"I want to play for first place all the time over the next four years," he declared to Bild.

"We have a very good team - one that could even win the championship this season. At the very least, we should return to the Champions League."

Schalke have been dealt a blow by the departure of Raul for Al Sadd, but Farfan has called on his team-mates to band together to make up for the veteran Spaniard's absence behind the main striker.

"No single player can replace Raul," he said.

"But we can make it up as a team. The exact role is in Huub Stevens' hands. The right wing is perfect for me.

"But if the coach wants me to, I can play as a second striker. I am determined here. I want to score 10 goals. I must be selfish."