week 22 - match preview

Rutten: "It's clear we aren't the underdogs in Frankfurt"

Fred Rutten was in an upbeat mood today when questioned about Saturday's Bundesliga clash at Eintracht Frankfurt. The Schalke boss has told his side they must build on the performance they showed in the first hour against Borussia Dortmund. "We set a very, very high standard last week", he said.

But that is not the only reason why the Dutchman feels the Royal Blues go into the game against Frankfurt, who sit in 12th place in the table, as slight favourites. "We are Schalke 04 and so it's clear we aren't the underdogs", he explained. "Schalke are a team everyone wants to beat. But we have to be able to deal with that." 

Rutten was keen to emphasise that his players are not short on confidence, despite an up-and-down start after the mid-season break that has seen them garner just four points from four games. "We're training well and the players are totally focused", he revealed. "Though everyone was bitterly disappointed after the draw against Dortmund, there's no point in moaning about the late equaliser. I'm an optimist and have a positive outlook on life", the 46-year-old said about himself. "So when a game goes wrong the disappointment lasts two days at the most, which means I'm able to focus totally on the tasks ahead. And I get a good feeling when I see how well the players are working in training every day." 

In spite of a busy schedule Rutten has had enough time to run the rule over Frankfurt. "I saw them on Saturday when they won 1-0 in Karlsruhe. They are very well prepared, especially tactically", he remarked. This was intended as indirect praise for his counterpart Friedhelm Funkel. "He's a very good coach. But it's up to us to counter his strategy. We'll need to be wide awake mentally", he said. 

The Dutchman still has to consult his coaching staff before selecting the eleven players who will be tasked with taking all three points from their visit to Frankfurt. But he has no major selection worries, with Levan Kenia the only absentee. The Georgia international is still struggling with a thigh problem. 

Some doubt remains over Marcelo Bordon, who is recovering after breaking the fourth metacarpal bone in his left hand. "Marcelo has told me he's desperate to play", said Rutten. No decision will be taken until Friday, however.