It is time to beat Dortmund, say Schalke duo Holtby and Draxler

Aug 10, 2012 11:30:00 PM

The German under-21 internationals are hoping to fire the Gelsenkirchen club to glory over the coming campaign, despite the departure of veteran striker Raul over the summer

The new Bundesliga season is yet to kick off, but that has not stopped Schalke pair Julian Draxler and Lewis Holtby from targeting a victory over arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund.

The Gelsenkirchen club failed to record a single win over Dortmund in their three meetings last season, and despite the loss of talisman Raul and the uncertainty over Klaas Jan-Huntelaar's future, the pair are confident of toppling the reigning Bundesliga champions.

"Our advantage now is that we are more flexible and less predictable, it is time for a derby victory," Holtby told Bild.

Team-mate and fellow German under-21 international Draxler was equally upbeat about the season ahead.

"We have enough quality, we must not to hide from the major players and teams and be smarter this season."

Schalke will be looking to build on last season's third-place finish, with their new campaign kicking off with a trip to Hannover on August 26.

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