Jones: The players are to blame for Schalke's troubles

Jermaine Jones insists coach Huub Stevens is not to blame for Schalke's recent dip in form and says the players need to find their form again quickly. Pressure is mounting on Stevens, whose contract expires next summer, after his side picked up just two points in their last four games, but Jones says he should not be made the scapegoat. "The coach is stood on the touchline, it is we on the field who have the responsibility," he said. "We should not be using the coach as an excuse for our current performances." Schalke now turn their attentions to the UEFA Champions League and their final group game against Montpellier on Tuesday, and that can be a welcome distraction. The German outfit have already qualified for the knockout stage of the competition and the upcoming game is all about finishing first or second in the group, but Jones says that probably will not make much of a difference. "If we beat Arsenal to top spot, then it would send out a signal for our opponents in the next round, but - and the coach is right about this - it does not mean that as group winners you get an easier draw," he told Kicker magazine. From:FIFA