week 7 - match preview

Müller expecting hard-fought game in Duisburg

After the convincing 3-0 home win over Arminia Bielefeld the Royal Blues are targeting another three points at MSV Duisburg on Tuesday (2000 CET). But no one is underestimating the newly promoted side.

Representing Schalke boss Mirko Slomka, who was unable to attend today's pre-match press conference for personal reasons, assistant coach Oliver Reck was in an optimistic mood before the trip to the "Zebras". "We played very well on Saturday. The team looked very homogeneous and we'll be looking for a repeat performance in Duisburg." General manager Andreas Müller was in full agreement with Reck, adding: "We want to win, there's no question of that."

Though the Royal Blues haven't lost at the MSV Arena since 1997 (0-1), Reck still urged caution: "Duisburg will be looking to extricate themselves from the nether regions of the table following their away defeat at Rostock. That's warning enough for us."

All the more so because the game is a genuine local derby: the MSV Arena is less than 40 kilometres from Schalke. "Every derby is a tough game, so the fans can expect to see a hard-fought match", believes Müller. "And because we didn't do too well in the away derbies last season we have to be totally focused."

The Royal Blues have had Duisburg watched three times. "Mirko Slomka watched them against Hertha BSC Berlin and Uwe Scherr in Rostock. Plus, I saw them at home against Arminia Bielefeld", explained Reck before adding: "We're fully prepared."

Reck was unwilling to reveal any team details, especially as the players had undergone only light training prior to Monday lunchtime. At the session on Sunday morning Ivan Rakitic, Jermaine Jones and Christian Pander took a slightly more relaxed approach after the exertions of recent days. "But all three will resume full training on Monday afternoon", confirmed Reck, who will also welcome Levan Kobiashvili to training on his return from injury. "I'm presuming he'll be back in the squad."

Dario Rodriguez will definitely be missing in Duisburg, however. The Uruguay defender flew home on Sunday for personal reasons. And there is still some doubt over central defender Marcelo Bordon, who is carrying a knock. A decision on whether the Brazilian can play will be delayed until tomorrow. Long-term casualties Mladen Krstajic, Mathias Abel and Gustavo Varela remain sidelined.