Bundesliga Media Days: FC Schalke 04
Gelsenkirchen - FC Schalke 04 mascot Erwin has been making waves on social media this summer, but on Friday it was the turn of the players and coaching staff to step into the spotlight for the club's annual Media Day.
The event, which took place at the Veltins Arena, is used to present the Royal Blues' new signings, take official photographs and produce exclusive media content for use throughout the upcoming campaign.
bundesliga.com rounds up the highlights…
Schalke media day: best bits
3) Full of pride
For new Schalke coach Andre Breitenreiter, media days are anything but routine. The 41-year-old's first such event only came last season, when in charge of SC Paderborn 07, which would explain not only his complete enthusiasm for the club and new surroundings but also his refreshing readiness to talk. "I absolutely cannot wait for the first game," he enthused. "Schalke are such a big club and it's incredible how many fans travelled to our training camp."
Breitenreiter excited
New Schalke head coach Andre Breitenreiter says he "absolutely cannot wait for the first game [of the season]."
5) A busy schedule
Along with their official media day, Schalke used the presence of all their players to record in-house and sponsors' media content, requiring the players to hold their smiles for that little bit longer. "We know we have to do it and so it makes it a lot easier to do it in a good mood," explained a relaxed Höwedes, who was preparing to set off for a long evening of sponsors' events with fellow World Cup winner Julian Draxler. When you represent a big club, there's always going to be interest!
Best of social media
Corner Kings highlights!
Check out some quick Instagram highlights of Schalke's Corner Kings challenge... (With Mr Huntelaar playing a starring role.)
In celebratory mood
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will be expecting to reproduce this pose plenty of times this season...
A different view
"From another perspective: how the S04 team photo came into being," reads the tweet below.
Meyer's true love
Max Meyer loves Schalke and he loves the Bundesliga: "It's everything to me."
Draxler rehearsing for 2015/16
Schalke fans will be hoping to see a lot more of these celebrations from Julian Draxler in the upcoming campaign...
Draxler's pearly whites
#BLcornerkings
Leroy Sane, Max Meyer and Co. get ready to try their luck in the Corner Kings challenge.
Snap!
Translation: Lining up for the official team photo.
Ready when you are!
The Royal Blues get ready for their official team photo.
Come in, if you’re a Schalker!
Schalke’s Media Day is about to get underway
The scene is set
The Veltins Arena gears up to host FC Schalke 04’s annual Media Day.