week 10 - match preview

Previous record against Bayern counts for nothing, says Müller

The match of the weekend in the Bundesliga sees third-placed Schalke take on second-placed Bayern Munich at the VELTINS Arena on Sunday. "Schalke against Bayern is always a special fixture", says general manager Andreas Müller, who like head coach Mirko Slomka is demanding an improved performance from the players.

Schalke definitely have the better of the recent head-to-head record, not having lost at home to Germany's most successful club since 17 October 1998. The Royal Blues have won five of the last six league and cup clashes at the Arena and drawn the other. "It's a great record, that's for sure", said Müller, "but it counts for nothing. On Sunday we both start from a clean slate." The situation going into the game is the same for both sides: a win is essential if they are going to stay hot on the heels of league leaders Werder Bremen.

One other factor points in favour of the home side. Whereas Bayern have lost their last three away games, the Royal Blues have won three times in front of their own fans this season and drawn just once (against Frankfurt). "We know where we are in the table and how strong we are at home and will be looking to exploit both these things to our advantage", explained Slomka.

In Lincoln, Schalke will be without their regular playmaker. "It's a blow", said Slomka, "but I'm sure we'll come up with the right solution." The club had enough players who play as a classical number ten, the Schalke boss explained. But Slomka may also elect to change his system to compensate for the loss of the 27-year-old Brazilian.

Irrespective of the option chosen by the 39-year old coach, he expects the players he fields to put in a performance full of aggression and passion. Müller agrees: "If we continue playing the way we have done in recent weeks we'll struggle to defend our position in the table never mind climb higher. We have to step up a gear now." Both Müller and Slomka feel the team are capable of more than they have shown just recently. "We expect better. And it's up to the players to deliver", demanded Müller. "And not just against Bayern."

Neither man is attaching much importance to the tactics Bayern may choose to adopt. "I'm not interested whether they play with two, three or seven strikers", said Slomka. "We're playing at home."