Schalke boss Jens Keller has hailed his side after a determined performance in front of a vocal Galatasaray crowd as their UEFA Champions League last 16 contest ended 1-1 on Wednesday.
Jermaine Jones scored the equaliser on 45 minutes after Burak Yilmaz had put the Turkish side ahead in Didier Drogba’s return to the Champions League, having lifted the trophy with Chelsea last term.
“My side put in a great performance. We were compact and determined and played as a team,” Keller said.
“We created a few chances but unfortunately missed a couple as well. It’s important for us to experience these kinds of games again to bring back a sense of security within the team.
“It was a very aggressive and determined display. We worked hard and were compact. We played well and I’m very happy with my team’s performance.”
Galatasaray boss Fatih Terim conceded it was an even contest and that a draw was a fair result.
“We went in front with an early goal because of our good play, but we unfortunately made a mistake just before half-time that led to Schalke’s equaliser,” he said.
“We had previously had chances to score a second goal, although Schalke also had openings in the second half to go in front themselves. It was an even game.”