Schalke 04 midfielder Jermaine Jones has insisted that his side can challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga this season.

Bayern won the treble last season and have installed Pep Guardiola as manager, while signing exciting young players like Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara.

However, Jones believes that their expected dominance will provide motivation for everyone else.

"Our aim should be to play for the German title," Jones told Kicker.

"Part of football is having high ambitions and not having any fear that it won't work out.

"It's great when everyone sees it [that Bayern will dominate] before the season starts. There is nothing better than to chase the team who are where you want to be."

Schalke secured a fourth-place finish and Champions League football on the final day of last season.