Week 34 - Match preview

Magath demands total commitment in Mainz

The Royal Blues travel to Mainz 05 for the final game of the season on Saturday (1530 CET). A look at the table shows that Schalke can no longer go up or down in the table. Nevertheless Felix Magath is determined to sign off with a win.

With an advantage of three points and 17 goals Bayern Munich have already settled the title race in their favour. "I don't expect us to win by double figures and in doing so possibly catch Bayern," said Magath with a wink.  "But that doesn't mean we won't give Mainz a game." The 56-year-old is clear, then, that a great Schalke season should end with a display of committed football, saying: "We owe it to our fans, who have given us phenomenal support throughout the season".

One title is still up for grabs for the Royal Blues in Mainz, though, albeit an unofficial one. If Schalke win, they will be the league's best away team. "It may not be worth anything but it would still be a great achievement," said Magath, who is well aware of the O-Fives' impressive home form, however. "Mainz have put in some superb performances at home," he warned.

Mainz coach Thomas Tuchel extended his contract to 2013 on Thursday, but the Royal Blues will be looking to spoil his home record, especially now the pressure is off. "I expect my players to perform to their full potential and play with free abandon and lots of enthusiasm," said Magath before adding: "I'll be watching every single player very closely to see who gives their all one more time."

The Schalke boss hasn't decided who will start yet, but he is considering making a few changes. "You can't change too much as that could give the team an alibi," he said. "But the odd player who hasn't been picked that often could get a chance." There may be a reshuffle in attack, for example. "Maybe I'll give Kevin Kuranyi a rest as he might not be fully focused after missing out on the World Cup," Magath concluded.