week 15 - match preview
Magath cautious about unpredictable opposition
At first glance there would appear to be no doubt who the favourites are in the run-up to Sunday's visit of Hertha BSC Berlin to the VELTINS Arena (1730 CET). Having garnered a measly five points from 14 games, and just one away from home, the side from the capital are bottom of the league. But that should serve as a warning to the Royal Blues.
"Games against teams in the kind of situation Hertha find themselves in are always awkward", cautioned Felix Magath. "It's a matter of survival for them so the players will be giving their utmost." The Schalke manager made a fitting comparison to describe their situation, saying: "Hertha are like a boxer on the ropes - unpredictable. In their desperation, teams can rise above themselves and cause a surprise.
"Though hardly anyone is giving them a chance because of their recent Bundesliga results, people who understand football know that anything is possible", Magath continued. "I haven't written them off, that's for certain. My colleague Friedhelm Funkel will show his players where their opportunities lie."
Nevertheless, the Schalke boss expects a win from his side in the final game of Week 15. He said: "It's important we take the lead because going behind against a team like Hertha is not exactly a good idea." Magath is preparing his team to face combative opponents who will be hoping for another good result following Thursday's 1-0 win in Ventspils in the Europa League.
Sunday's game is a meeting of two sides with excellent battling qualities, but for Magath that does not make it an unattractive prospect. "Hard-fought games can be good to watch, too", he said. "On Sunday we want to give the VELTINS Arena crowd something to shout about with another display of passion, commitment and effort."
In selection terms, Magath has virtually the same options as last week. "Apart from the long-term absentees everyone's available to play", he explained. Vasileios Pliatsikas resumed training during the week but he will not be an alternative for Sunday as he was unable to take full part in the last few sessions. The prospects for Marcelo Bordon are better, as Magath revealed: "He's fit again after a bout of flu and will play."
