week 4 - match preview

Rutten calls for cool heads ahead of derby

This Saturday the Royal Blues play their 132nd competitive game against Borussia Dortmund. For head coach Fred Rutten it will be his first derby. "But that's no problem", the Dutchman said.

"We have games like this in Holland, too, though they aren't as big and explosive as this one." The 45-year-old knows exactly what he and his players will face in Dortmund. "The people at Schalke have prepared me very well for the game. I know how much it means to the people here. And I was there with Eindhoven in autumn 2002." That game ended in a 1-1 draw.

In spite of the significance of the local derby Rutten doesn't intend to let the simmering atmosphere get to him. "That wouldn't be a good thing. As a coach you have to approach these games rationally, not emotionally", he explained. "Otherwise you can't analyse them properly."

Rutten has every confidence his side will get a good result on Saturday. "We're on a roll and nearly all our players are fit, so I'm very optimistic. Most of our boys have derby experience so they won't be affected by the atmosphere. And those players who could make their first appearance, such as Jefferson Farfan, will know how to cope. Jeff comes from South America. If you've played in a derby game there, you can play in one anywhere."

Another reason the Royal Blues travel to Dortmund in confident mood is their recent record there, with four wins in their last five visits. Last season's game ended in a 3-2 win for Schalke.