week 7 - match preview

Confidence high ahead of Dortmund trip

Having defeated local rivals VfL Bochum 3-0 in the DFB Cup earlier in the week, the Royal Blues are back in action again in the massive derby clash with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday (kick-off: 1530 CET at the Signal-Iduna Park). And with a place in the top five at stake, Felix Magath is exciting a hard-fought Ruhr encounter.

The Schalke manager is eagerly looking forward to his first "big" derby. "Matches like these are always something special", he said. "They're full of energy and passion, in other words the things that make football such a great game. But I'm not expecting any major leaps forward in footballing terms. The result is what counts, not playing nice football."

Despite the special nature of the game and the huge sense of anticipation hanging over it, the Schalke coach is taking a more sober approach. "I'm trying to get over to my players that first and foremost it's about three points, just like any other Bundesliga fixture, and we want them", he explained.

The player with the most derby experience on the blue side is Gerald Asamoah. In recent clashes between the two sides the 30-year-old striker, who will not be winning any prizes for popularity in Dortmund any time soon, has delivered some tremendous performances. But Magath refuses to be drawn on whether Asamoah will make his 19th Ruhr derby appearance on Saturday. "Before the game I'll ask him if he wants to play especially well", he said. "And then I might pick him."

While there may be a question mark over Asamoah, the Schalke squad will again include a number of young players. Magath said: "The cup game in Bochum was an ideal opportunity for them to get a first taste of derby action and get used to the atmosphere and a team with fighting qualities. It was good preparation for Saturday."

As for Dortmund's performances to date, the Schalke boss is not sure what to think. "We're not far into the season and so it's difficult to say what stage they're at", he said. "But I still think Dortmund are one of our main rivals in the chase for a European spot. Both teams are on a similar level.

"On Saturday much will depend on our form on the day. One thing I am sure about, though, is that if we can carry on where we left off in Bochum, it will be very difficult for Dortmund."