Hamburger SV midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has outlined his desire to start the second half of the season with a victory over Schalke 04.

The Bundesliga campaign resumes after its winter break this weekend, with Hamburg looking to extend the two-point gap currently separating them from the relegation playoff position.

Calhanoglu is expecting a tough match against Schalke, who are currently seventh and four points off the final Champions League place, but the Turkey international is hopeful that they can come away with a victory.

"That will be a huge challenge for us because Schalke have a really strong side, but we're well aware of our own strengths," Calhanoglu told the Bundesliga's official website. "Ultimately we simply want to pick up three points on home soil."

Hamburg ended their mid-season preparations in style on Saturday, beating Swiss champions Basel 4-2.

Written by
Barney Corkhill