The final game before the winter break saw Schalke host Hamburg. The game finished as a goal-less draw in Gelsenkirchen. S04.en caught up with Höwedes, Hunterlaar and Santana, gathering their thoughts on the past season, current manager and the future.

Benedikt Höwedes: "We have to settle for a point. In the first half we were clearly the better side and created many chances to score, however, we couldn’t convert any. It’s important that we kept a clean sheet – Ralf Fährmann made some good claims. We’re satisfied with a point. We’re happy that we didn’t concede or lost – we can go into the festive period happy."

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: "We have to live with a point. However, we are happy as we performed well throughout. The first half was the best we have played so far – we were dominant- We continued to pressurise them in the second half even though HSV came back into it. We had a lot of chances in the first half but couldn’t make the most of them. We’re happy with the effort, the desire and the team spirit shown today. If we keep this up, we’ll be doing fine."

Felipe Santana: "We hoped to come away with more, but we are happy with the point. It was a tough game and at the end we were perhaps still a bit tired after the Paderborn game."

Höwedes and Santana on the first half of the season

Benedikt Höwedes: "We started the season slowly but since then we’ve continually improved. We’ve done a lot of good things in the past six matches and are now in the upper part of the table. We have developed tactically, gelled as a team and are performing better."

Felipe Santana: "We’re happy with the situation. We’ve had a bit of bad luck with injuries, including myself. In the second half of the season we need to show what we’ve been working on and make certain improvements in order to pick up more points."

On the 3-5-2 system and Roberto Di Matteo:

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: "We’ve done well with the system, which came about as our widemen were injured. The link-up with Choupo is great because we help each other out and try to create space for each other. Choupo is a great player – he can score and assist. The new system has brought security with it – we picked up points and moved up the table."

Felipe Santana: "Roberto Di Matteo is a quiet person who likes to have contact with his players. It’s important that he speaks to us at the minute as we are still trying to fully understand his philosophy- After we’ve been on the training camp in Doha we’ll be able to play more like he wants us to."

On Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s contract extension:

Benedikt Höwedes: "It’s nice that he sees his future at the club. We’ve utilised his quality so far this season. He’s a great striker and I’m therefore delighted that we are able to hold on to players of his calibre."

Felipe Santana: "Klaas-Jan is one of the top three strikers in the league. It’s a pleasure to play with him. He did everything he could to get a new contract. We can use his happiness to our advantage throughout the rest of the season."

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: "It’s been a great day because I’ve extended my deal with Schalke. It was always my aim to stay here and I’m naturally over the moon that this is going to happen. Schalke have been my only port of call. I’ve not spoken to any other teams. I have faith in the team, the head coach and Horst Heldt. We all want to continue improving – this appeals to me and I hope to contribute to this with my performances."

On plans for the next few weeks:

Felipe Santana: "After such a stressful year it’s time for a bit of a break. I had two injuries – I’d never suffered ones like them before. I will now travel to Brazil for a bit of sun, sand and the chance to chill in the warm weather. After this pause I will come back and help the lads in the second half of the season."

Benedikt Höwedes: "I'm more than happy that the year is over and that I go into the festive period healthy. Personally, it’s been a turbulent year, with the World Cup, which was a lot of work. At Schalke we invested a lot into the season so far, even when things weren’t going well. I’m happy to have a break to clear my mind – which is important. We now need to make sure we prepare well in Qatar and go into the second half of the season on top of our game"