Week 33 - Match preview

Magath: Bremen’s style of play suits us

Ahead of the last home game of the season against Werder Bremen on Saturday (kick-off 15:30), Schalke’s head coach is optimistic of getting a positive result. “The fact that we were able to secure second place last weekend means that we can play with more freedom and without any pressure. That may be an advantage,” Felix Magath said.

Werder need nothing less than a win to preserve, or even improve, their chances in the battle for third place in the Bundesliga. “But we want to win too,” said Magath, “so that we can perhaps catch Bayern, as I still think they’re likely to slip up once during the final run-in.” In turn that also means that the Royal Blues can’t allow themselves any more hiccoughs.

Magath is hoping to produce an attractive match for the supporters against Bremen. “Our fantastic fans deserve it,” stressed the 56 year-old, who could be helped by the visitors’ style of play. “Bremen are very good going forward, perhaps the best attacking side in the league. On the flip side, they are often susceptible in defence. I’m therefore looking for an attacking performance from us.”

The statistics confirm Magath’s view. Thomas Schaaf’s team has so far scored 15 goals more than Schalke, but they have also conceded 10 more. The Royals Blues could also be helped by the fact that Bremen frequently like to try to dictate the play. “And that,” says Magath, “suits our team better than an opposing side that just sits back.”

The reverse fixture in Bremen ended in a deserved 2-0 win for S04. “Possibly our best game in the first half of the season,” recalls Magath. A repeat would therefore be very welcome! And he’s hoping for great support once again from the crowd to help achieve this: “I think the fans are delighted with what we’ve achieved so far and hope they’ll come to the VELTINS Arena on Saturday and really cheer the team on.”

Magath will be able to pick from an almost full squad for the game, as there have been no new injuries to report in recent days. The only absentees will be Jermaine Jones, Vasileios Pliatsikas and Levan Kenia, who are all recovering from long-term injuries. The team is also not affected by any suspensions.