Week 25 - Match preview

Magath sees Frankfurt similarities

As nice as it was to win the derby, all Felix Magath and his players have been concentrating on this week has been preparing for Saturday's away game at Eintracht Frankfurt (1530 CET). "It's going to be a really tough examination," the Schalke boss predicts. "But we want to carry the momentum from the derby win with us and come through the test successfully."

The 56-year-old is fully aware that the task is far from an easy one. "For me Eintracht are one the positive surprises this season," he said. "Slowly but surely they have tiptoed their way up the table. Hardly anyone noticed their upward trend at first, but after their 3-2 win in Dortmund four weeks ago everyone knows what they are capable of. That really did make people sit up and take note."

In view of the situation in the table Michael Skibbe's have justified hopes of claiming a European spot. "If they have a strong finish to the season anything is possible," Magath explained, "just as long as they don't launch it against us."

The qualities he admires about Frankfurt are things he often sees in his own team. Magath said: "Eintracht are a very tight-knit side, they all work hard for each other. The defensive players Cris, Marco Russ and Maik Franz are always good for a goal because Frankfurt are especially dangerous from set pieces." These are attributes the Royal Blues have shown in abundance this season. So the Schalke boss was keen to emphasise that the two sides play a very similar style. "There are also parallels in our attacking games because like us Eintracht often struggle going forward," he added.

This does not mean that Schalke will underestimate the opposition strike force. "Alex Meier is a very good player and Halil Altintop can always carry a threat," said Magath. "He showed that often enough in training when he was with us. But he didn't get much of a chance during games, so I'm pleased he's now playing a decent role in Frankfurt," he continued. "I just hope he doesn't prove me right on Saturday", added Magath with a grin. "Both Michael Skibbe and Halil were born in Gelsenkirchen, though, so maybe they won't give a full 100 percent."