week 33 - match preview

Slomka calls for cool heads in Dortmund

One thing already certain is that at least 130,000 fans will watch Saturday's local derby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 from the stands (more than 80,000 live in Dortmund and 50,000 on the big screen at the VELTINS Arena). And Schalke boss Mirko Slomka today called on his players to keep their cool, saying: "We're looking forward to the game and what will be an incredible atmosphere. But we have to remain calm, focused and composed."

The whole of Schalke is eagerly awaiting kick-off. Attendances at training are rocketing. "Things are extremely busy at the training ground", confirmed Slomka. "That's pleasing because we're a people's club." Whenever the Schalke coach is asked about Saturday's derby the word 'pressure' is never far away. But the 39-year-old feels it is positive: "It's a great feeling, after all, to be top of the table with two games to go."

Slomka said he was not losing any sleep over the match: "When you're sure you've done a good job and sure the players are giving 100 percent in training you can sleep at night." And while he understands that many fans will see things differently in view of the painful memories of 2001, he had this to say: "We need to let go of the past. Not only can we make the fans happy with a win in the derby, we can also stay top of the table with one game to go. It's in our own hands."

This does not mean the Royal Blues are about to underestimate their opponents, however: "We have great respect for them, especially as they have won their last three matches and will be highly motivated going into the game", he added. Slomka was unwilling to reveal his hand as far as team selection and tactics are concerned, but he did say this, drawing a lesson from the defeat in Bochum: "We have to stay calm and play relaxed, controlled football for 90 minutes. We won't allow any lapses in concentration."

The Schalke boss is under no illusions as to the result needed to keep the club's title dream alive. "Even though we know from our own experience that Bochum and Frankfurt are no pushovers, I'm expecting both Stuttgart and Bremen to win. And that's what we have to do as well."