Schalke satisfaction for Younes

Younes Kaboul saw Saturday’s win against Schalke as an ideal precursor to next weekend’s Premier League curtain-raiser at West Ham.

Goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado either side of the break gave us a 2-1 victory against the Bundesliga side at White Hart Lane, making it four wins and a draw from our five pre-season matches heading into the new term.

Defender Younes, who captained the side, insisted our performance against the German visitors means we go to Upton Park in a positive frame of mind later this week.

“The most important thing was to be confident before West Ham next Saturday,” said the Frenchman.

“It was our last match before the start of the season and we had a very good game. We played some good football and we’re very happy with the win.”

Younes partnered debutant Eric Dier at centre-half, while Hugo Lloris was back in goal after recently returning to training following his involvement in France’s World Cup campaign.

“Eric did very well,” added Younes. “He’s a good young defender, he’s strong and he’s got great ability so that’s good for us. We obviously also had Hugo back in the side as well. He’s had a good World Cup with France and he’s back with us now, so we’re happy.”