week 17 - match preview

Three points the sole objective against Mainz

 The Royal Blues hope to thank the fans for their support with a committed performance against FSV Mainz at the VELTINS Arena on Friday evening (2030 CET). "They've been a big factor in our early success this season", explained Felix Magath. A win would make him happy, too, he said, and "ensure we all have a relaxing winter holiday".

Magath is more than satisfied with what has been achieved so far. "My players have been outstanding", he said. But he is relatively unconcerned about the position his team will find themselves in the table after the first 17 matches. "Being top at Christmas has no significance at all for me. I don't think it would give the players any more confidence than they already have. From January we'll need the points we've earned so far to maintain our good position for as long as possible."

The Royal Blues can add to their tally with a win against Mainz. "It would give us a nice cushion because every point could prove vital at the end of the season", Magath said. Friday's game will be anything but a formality, however, with the Schalke boss expecting Mainz to defend very deeply. "They're sure to play with just one striker and put an additional man in midfield", he explained. "With space very tight it won't make it any easier for us to work the openings. Mainz will form a solid unit and they'll be very difficult to break down.

"Their biggest asset is their togetherness as a team, they all fight for each other", Magath continued. "They're the best of the promoted sides this term and have picked up some impressive results, building perfectly on the euphoria from last season", he added, well aware of their strengths. "But I'm sure we'll be up for it again. We'll be looking to get forward and force Mainz into mistakes which we can then capitalise on."

Magath said his players could take confidence from their showing in Bremen. "It was our best footballing performance of the season so far." Striker Kevin Kuranyi had a major hand in this. "He's hit a good run of form. Our game is centred around him. With Kuranyi playing well we'll get our chances against Mainz."