First Round

Rutten demands total concentration ahead of cup-tie

The Royal Blues aim to go into their first round DFB Cup tie against fifth-tier FC Homburg on Saturday well prepared (kick-off: 1930 CET). "The game is important for the team and the club as a whole", emphasised head coach Fred Rutten.

In his first competitive match for the Royal Blues the 45-year-old Dutchman is well aware that the "giants can only lose". He is therefore ensuring the players prepare meticulously for the game. "We have to be focused and can't afford any nonchalance. There's a sense of eager expectation in the squad and that's what we need."

Rutten is expecting a "keenly fought game" in Homburg. The Schalke boss saw the fifth-tier outfit beat Borussia Neunkirchen 2-0 in their championship opener: "Homburg played well and were very good in defence. They're an ambitious team and were praised by their coach for their tackling."

The Dutchman is not entirely happy with the way his side's preparations have gone. Although he and his coaching staff saw their intended programme through to the end, things didn't go entirely to plan on the playing side: "I've been in the game a long time but I've never had so many players pick up injuries."

The situation has eased this week, however: "Now we're getting close to the real thing almost everyone is fit. As far as we're concerned we can get going", concluded Rutten.