week 23 - match preview

Schalke look to hit back against Cologne

"I want my players to the show the fans on Friday that they are determined to win leave the pitch victorious", said Fred Rutten at the pre-match press conference. In Mainz the problem wasn't passion, he said, it was simply the lack of chances.

"After such a setback you have to work 24/7 because things always go on and we can't replay the cup-tie", the Schalke boss pointed out. "We have the best defence in the Bundesliga, but we didn't create enough chances. That's got nothing to do with a lack of passion", he continued. The 46-year-old believes his players can cope with the situation because they have a wealth of experience and many are internationals. He said: "It's important we show the right reaction against Cologne. We've done that two or three times in the past. After the defeat in Enschede, for example."

In their discussions with individual players and the squad as a whole the Royal Blues have been totally focused on the visit of Cologne since Wednesday. "Obviously communication is really important now", explained Rutten. "If we're to beat Cologne, we can't afford to dwell on the past, we need to look forward and take one day at a time."

Schalke will not be underestimating the opposition for a second, though. Cologne's 2-1 win at Bayern Munich and the 1-1 home draw with Bielefeld are warning enough. Rutten said: "We know that Cologne are on a good run at the moment and are preparing with their tactical capabilities in mind."

The Dutchman is also counting on the support of the fans at the VELTINS Arena. "I hope they support us and really get behind the team because we need their help", he said. "The fact that only a few players went over to the fans to thank them for their support was because they were hugely disappointed, as indeed the fans were, but we are professionals and we should act accordingly", stressed Rutten. "So I'll be talking with the lads about it to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Rutten did not rule out changing his starting line-up, saying: "Young lads like Danny Latza, for example, are really close. And Benni Höwedes is fit again. I'm delighted he's established himself as a first-team regular this season." Christian Pander took part in the final pre-match training session after recovering from flu and is back in the squad. There was also good news regarding Levan Kenia. The Georgia international has shaken off a thigh injury and is set to resume full training next week.