Roberto Di Matteo pleased with Schalke 04's defensive display

Roberto Di Matteo has praised Schalke 04's resilience after seeing his side beat Hertha Berlin 2-0 in his first game in charge.

Goals in either half from Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Julian Draxler handed Schalke all three points for the third time in their last four outings, but it was new his side's ability to shut out the visitor's that really impressed the Italian.

"It wasn't a necessarily spectacular game, but it was important for us to get the three points," the 44-year-old former Chelsea boss told the club's official website.

"A very positive thing is that we also kept a clean sheet. It was a great performance defensively. Hertha caused us a few problems, as we expected. We scored two goals and had even more chances, particularly in the opening stages.

"My team was well organised. We can improve our playing style, but that will come when our confidence grows after picking up a win or two."

The win has lifted Schalke into the top half of the Bundesliga for the first time this season.