Domenico Tedesco: Give everything for one last time on this China tour

Schalke 04 have been involved with Hebei China Fortune for a few months now, as they have helped in the promotion of the club’s youth academy. The Royal Blues have also been supporting the club by providing them with fully licensed Schalke coaches and scouting personnel. The aim of the partnership is to develop talent in the mold of the Knappenschmiede academy in Germany.

Gervinho, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Mascherano

This involvement emphasises just how ambitious the club is. They are currently managed by 48-year-old Chris Coleman, who most recently led Wales to the semi-finals of the 2016 European Championship. He took over from the previously appointed Manuel Pellegrini two months ago.

Hebei China Fortune’s squad boasts a few well known names, including Ivory Coast international Gervinho, as well as two Argentineans, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Mascherano. Mascherano will not be involved in the game, however, as he was recently in action at the World Cup in Russia.

S04 plan to make eleven changes at half time

Domenico Tedesco is looking forward to an interesting game. “We want to give everything for one last time on this China tour,” says the 32-year-old. Just like in the 3-3 draw with Southampton, the coach plans to make eleven changes to his side at half time. “It means that the boys can give their all for the 45 minutes in which they are on the pitch,” he adds.

Conversely to Schalke, Hebei China Fortune are actually in the middle of their season. The game in Langfang is their last test before they begin the second part of their Chinese Super League season on Wednesday 18th July against Dalian Yifang. After ten of 30 matchdays, Hebei China Fortune currently occupy tenth place.