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Schalke have rewarded coach Mirko Slomka’s for his part in the club’s rise to the top of the Bundesliga, by giving him an improved contract for two years to the end of June 2009.

“Our expectations before the start of the season have been fulfilled, in that we have been able to join the fight for the championship – even if we, of course, want more,” director of football Andreas Mueller said.

Slomka, 39, will be paid about 1.2 million euros per season, making him one of the best best coaches in Germany.

Schalke lead Werder Bremen by three points in the league but have managed just two draws and two defeats from their last four matches.

It has been almost 50 years since the Gelsenkirchen-based club last won the championship.

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