Schalke have an enormous fan base, a storied tradition and a first-rate coach in Ralf Rangnick. But they also haven't won a league title in more than 50 years, and have a debt problem that even 12 million euros a year from Russian energy company Gazprom can't solve.

They'd love to establish themselves as Champions League regulars, and indeed played like one in their run to that tournament's semifinal last year, but this year might be more wisely seen as one of rebuilding and consolidation.

Rangnick and Sporting Director Horst Heldt have decided to go young, and with kids like midfielders Julian Draxler and Lewis Holtby, as well as center back Kyriakos Papadopoulos, it's not hard to see why. Just don't expect a title yet.

Fun fact: In 2001, Schalke thought they had broken their league title drought, only to see Bayern score a last-second goal on the final day to snatch the trophy.

Author: Matt Hermann
Editor: Sean Sinico