Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes is relishing today’s season-opener against arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Super Cup.

The Royal Blues had to watch as Dortmund swept to an emphatic Bundesliga title success last season although they did have the consolation of landing the DFB-Pokal crown with a 5-0 thrashing of Duisburg in the final.

The neighbours meet at Schalke’s Veltins-Arena this evening, two weeks before league action resumes, and Howedes is hoping to strike an early psychological blow for the battle ahead.

He told the club’s official website, www.schalke04.de: “The fans are eagerly looking forward to the game and the players are no different. That we are meeting as German Cup champions and Bundesliga champions adds extra spice.

“It is a home game for us and we don’t want to disappoint our fantastic supporters. It should be a fascinating game and it is already giving me goose-bumps.

“We are full of conviction and have had a very good build-up. Schalke have a strong team but we also have respect for Borussia Dortmund.”

Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp also admitted the fact the match was between local rivals added an extra dimension.

He said on www.bundesliga.de: “I think the Supercup is a nice appetiser ahead of the new season.

“But we know that we are not only playing in the Super Cup but also against Schalke. That alone makes it explosive.”