round 2 - match preview

Slomka calls for repeat of Werder showing in DFB Cup

Just three days after the 1-1 draw against Werder Bremen the Royal Blues face their next challenge when they host Hannover 96 in the second round of the DFB Cup this Tuesday (kick-off: 1900 CET).

Head coach Mirko Slomka has great respect for the Lower Saxony outfit, who are unbeaten in five in the Bundesliga, a run that has seen them pick up nine points. Hannover currently occupy sixth place in the table with 18 points. "They deserve to be so far up the table", says Slomka, who for the most part was happy with his team's performance against Bremen.

"Our attitude against Werder was good", the 40-year-old said in praise of his players. "If we'd played like that in all our games this season, we'd definitely have more than 18 points to our name by now." It was now a case of building on the performance against Bremen, he said. 

Saturday's 1-1 draw was "one of our best showings this season" the Schalke boss continued. "All we lacked was that little bit of luck and composure you need in front of goal to win games like that." Slomka has targeted a long cup run: "We want to progress as far as possible in this competition. "And if we play as powerfully as we did against Werder, we'll win."

The Schalke boss is a particular admirer of Hannover keeper Robert Enke and his well organised defence. "They are very solid at the back and their 4-2-3-1 system also gives them good options going forward", he explained, emphasising the threat posed by pacy wide men Jan Rosenthal and Szabolcs Huszti and lone striker Mike Hanke. The former Schalke striker holds the ball up well and is good in the air.

Slomka feels the fact that the game is taking place at the VELTINS Arena is an advantage for his side. "Having the crowd behind us will certainly make it a little easier to break down the Hannover defence and progress to the next round." The Royal Blues were also used to playing two games a week, he added. "We're used to the strain, Hannover aren't. It's no disadvantage for us, that's for sure." Especially as Hannover have to travel as well.