week 2 - match preview

Magath: "Need to attack more than we did in Nürnberg"

After the successful start and 2-1 victory at FC Nürnberg last weekend the Royal Blues contest their first home game of the season against VfL Bochum on Sunday (1730 CET).

"Though we won in Nürnberg, we weren't so commanding that we can now lean back and think everything will come automatically", said head coach Felix Magath. "We have to be totally focused."

His first competitive match at the VELTINS Arena may be a local derby, but he is not especially nervous. "What's important for me is that the Bundesliga is underway again. It doesn't bother me whether it's my first game or my 300th!" His focus is now entirely on VfL Bochum and the objective of picking up three points against their Ruhr valley neighbours. "And I'm pleased we'll have a full house for the derby", he said, emphasising the special nature of the game for both fans and players.

This early in the season Magath is still cautious when it comes to making predictions. "It's hard to assess Bochum at this stage. But I'm sure they'll come out fighting and look to play out of defence", he continued. "In Stanislav Sestak and Joel Epalle Bochum have good attacking players and we'll have to be careful not to get caught on the break."

In contrast to the Nürnberg game Magath plans to employ more attacking tactics on Sunday. "I'm pleased we got the points last week but against Bochum we'll need to attack more than we did in Nürnberg. We still have potential and we can and want to improve - if possible right away." Magath was therefore not ruling out changes to his starting line-up.