week 32 - match preview

Slomka demands more attacking power against Nürnberg

Being on the pitch is simply not enough. That is the conclusion the Royal Blues have drawn from last week's 2-1 defeat at VfL Bochum. Head coach Mirko Slomka is banking on his players showing "more determination in attacking the goal" on Saturday, when Nürnberg (Nuremberg) guest at the VELTINS Arena.

Slomka described the events of last weekend as an "emotional roller-coaster". The setback in Bochum was followed by two days of nervous waiting until everyone connected with the club was able to breathe a sigh of relief when Werder Bremen lost at Arminia Bielefeld, a result that saw Schalke maintain their place at the top of the Bundesliga table.

"We're in a very good position. We've been top since Week 20 and it's a role we feel very comfortable in", emphasised Slomka, who apart from bringing in Levan Kobiashvili for Mesut Özil will place his faith in the personnel who played in Bochum. "They will mobilise everything they have to make sure the three points stay in Gelsenkirchen."

And though he was reluctant to single anyone out, the 39-year-old coach admitted that he had had some stern words to say to his players. "I had to come down a bit harder on a couple of them because being on the pitch simply isn't enough."

This certainly didn't apply to Kevin Kuranyi. Along with Marcelo Bordon the Germany striker was one of the few players to get anywhere near the top of their game, Slomka said. Kuranyi had "worked his socks off" and was "justifiably angry" after the match, he added. "Unfortunately, however, two are not enough", concurred the Schalke boss, who called for his side to show more ambition in going for goal on Saturday.

His appeal was primarily aimed at his midfield. "We aren't posing enough of a threat in the centre", he complained, adding that Fabian Ernst and Co. should have more courage to shoot from outside the box.

This is by no means the worst approach to adopt against a compact Nürnberg rearguard. "Along with us they have the best defence in the Bundesliga", explained Slomka. Both clubs have conceded just 29 goals this season, a record that cannot be bettered. So it will be no easy task for the Royal Blues, who have been told by Slomka to spread the play wide: "Our full-backs are also tasked with getting involved in our attacks."

The Schalke boss is also relying on his team to show the qualities that have brought them three home wins in succession. "We have to be patient and keep our composure. We simply cannot afford to panic." Because Slomka is certain of one thing: "There's no way we'll have as much luck as we did last week. It's now up to us to take our chances."