Quarter-final: Sofia - Schalke Preview
Slomka out to avoid mistakes of Palermo
Thursday's UEFA Cup quarter-final first-leg tie at Levski Sofia is a very tough challenge, according to Schalke head coach Mirko Slomka. "We'll have to be at our best to hold our own there", he said.
The Bulgarians have a fine record in this season's competition, having already put out AJ Auxerre, Artmedia Bratislava and Udinese Calcio. "Levski have only conceded one goal at home so far and always scored at least one", said Slomka, well aware of their strength at home.
"They're a very compact side with some excellent quality, especially with regard to technique and pace. I was also impressed with the way they came back from 1-0 down in the last match against Udinese." It was important for Schalke not to be taken by surprise as in Palermo, added Slomka. "The fact we had problems in the away leg there can now be of help to us."
Slomka said his players had to learn from their mistakes in Palermo if they were to do well in Sofia. "If we can repeat our performance of the first 15 minutes against Wolfsburg, when we put them under a lot of pressure going forward, then we've got a good chance. A win or a draw would be a good result for us."
He said the fact that Schalke were the last German club in Europe was especially motivating. "For us it's great that we still have the opportunity to present ourselves on the European stage and thus make positive headlines", he explained.
Slomka was not about to reveal which tactical formation he intends to use in Sofia, however, saying: "We've used a 4-4-2 to good effect and have also looked impressive playing a 4-3-3."
The Schalke boss is encouraged by his side's current physical condition. "Gerald Asamoah, for example, has put his muscular problems behind him, Kevin Kuranyi is back and the squad has also been strengthened by the return from injury of players such as Hamit Altintop. Overall my players are in very good shape."
Slomka therefore has a full squad to choose from. None of the players who made the trip to Sofia are in doubt. "Marcelo Bordon and Darío Rodriguez are now 100 percent fit", he said. Neither player had been able to train on Tuesday.
