Benedikt Howedes has praised Schalke 04 head coach Roberto Di Matteo for improving the side's defensive performances following Friday's 1-0 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach.

Despite spending much of the game on the back foot, an impressive display after Tranquillo Barnetta's early goal guided Schalke to victory, and Howedes admits that he is pleased with the progress being made.

"We're really happy to have taken three points at home. It was hard work throughout but we didn't give them many chances and the three points are really important against a direct competitor," the German World Cup winner told reporters.

"Roberto Di Matteo has made us much more stable defensively, we're not giving away many chances and we're building on our defence as you've seen in the last few games. We managed to get the early goal, which we knew would be important against Gladbach.

"Even if they're not the best games to watch at the moment, we're working really hard off the ball and preventing the opposition hitting us on the break. The fans can see that we're giving everything for success, which is what this club is all about, and if we're winning, then that's even better."

Schalke return to Bundesliga action against Eintracht Frankfurt next Saturday.