Kevin Boateng: Ghana midfielder helps Roberto Di Matteo to first Bundesliga win at Schalke

By Akyereko Frimpong Manson

Follow Akyereko on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial

Former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo said he is counting on Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng to succeed at Schalke 04 and on Saturday the midfielder gave him a dose of his impact as he helped him win his first Bundesliga game. 

The Italian gaffer handed Boateng a starting spot in his line-up as he faced his boyhood club at the Veltins Arena and he sturdily held the fort in the middle, showing great resoluteness and determination before being replaced in the 78th minute by Max Meyer.

Before the arrival of Di Matteo, Schalke's form in the Bundesliga had not been impressive and their campaign in the Uefa Champions League did not look any good thus his coming in as replacement for Jens Keller who was sacked by the club.

While looking to succeed with the Royal Blues, Di Matteo mentioned he is counting on the former AC Milan to restore the club's lost form and confidence in the league and continental challenge.

Boateng was involved in the sequence of play that fetched Schalke's first goal as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar opened the scoring with a 19th minute effort before Julian Draxler added the second in the 65th minute.

Di Matteo is seeking to discover his magical touch that won the Uefa Champions League crown for Chelsea during his spell with the club three seasons ago.