Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has said that winning a trophy is the club's main objective this season.

The Royal Blues finished third in the Bundesliga last season and will play in the Champions League this term, as well as featuring in the German Cup.

"It will be a good season for us if we finish in the top four," said Heldt. "I know it will be very difficult, though.

"In general, it is our objective to fight for a trophy. Why would we not be able to reach the DFB-Pokal final? A trophy is a realistic goal."

Schalke will begin their 2012-13 Bundesliga campaign with an away game against Hannover on Sunday.