Schalke would do well to extend Raul's contract

Trainer praised the legendary striker, claiming the Gelsenkirchen side should do anything possible to keep him, and also had a word on his side's DFB Pokal chances against Dortmund.Fortuna Dusseldorf coach Norbert Meier has complimented Schalke striker Raul, and opined, ahead of his side's DFB Pokal clash with Borussia Dortmund, that he would have preferred to face the Bundesliga champions with Mario Gotze in their squad.Speaking of the Spain and Real Madrid legend, the trainer was full of praise, but scuppered rumours that his team could make a move for the veteran, whose contract expires in the summer. When exclusively asked by Goal.com about such reports, he laughed, and replied:"I've read them. And it's also true: Raul lives in Dusseldorf, and I think he's really comfortable here. He enjoys the freedom, going out in the street without constantly having to constantly sign autographs."Raul recently revealed he is a supporter of his local club, and Meier confirmed the player has immersed himself in fan culture."He has already visited us before and worn a Fortuna scarf. He even knows a few Fortuna songs," the coach said.However, Meier explained he has no hope of signing Raul, even if Fortuna are promoted to the 1. Bundesliga."But it also must be said: what we can offer him and what Schalke can give him are worlds apart. He is of course a world class player and a good man - Schalke would do well to extend his contract."Meier also commented on his team's upcoming clash with Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal, stating that he would have preferred to face the Bundesliga champions with Mario Gotze, who is sidelined until January due to a thigh injury."First of all, Mario Gotze is a great footballer. I'm not one to cry 'hurrah!' when such a great player is hurt," he explained. "For us, the DFB Pokal is a bonus game and I would look forward even more to facing Borussia with their best eleven."However, Meier added that Dortmund will still field a quality line-up in the absence of the 19-year-old attacker."BVB became German champions not only because of Mario Gotze, though, and have enough players who can replace him."Dusseldorf host Dortmund in the DFB Pokal round of 16 on Tuesday. Kick-off is scheduled for 20.30 CET.