Keller gets 2-year deal to stay as Schalke coach

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) — Schalke says Jens Keller will stay on as the Bundesliga club's coach and has been given a two-year contract extension.

Saturday's announcement ends lengthy speculation about the future of the 42-year-old Keller, who took over in December when Huub Stevens was dismissed.

Schalke was seventh in the Bundesliga at the time, and a wobbly start under Keller raised questions about whether he would be replaced. But the team has had a good recent run and is now fourth with two matches left to play.

The team is well placed to hang on to that spot, which would give it a chance to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Sporting director Horst Heldt says Keller "has put Schalke back on course in the Bundesliga" despite a string of injuries.