Benjamin Stambouli: Give something back to the fans

It is exactly this mentality that Schalke had when they last travelled to the Signal Iduna Park as they did the near impossible. Although Schalke went 4-0 down, they managed to get one point after clawing their way back to 4-4. “We need the sort of character where we always believe in ourselves and to never give up. That is one of our strengths,” said the vice captain.

It was Stambouli, who played the long ball over the top to Guido Burgstaller who then scored the first goal of the famous comeback on the 25th November 2017. “Whenever I see the highlights from the 4-4, I always get goose bumps,” said the Frenchman, who assured that the team wouldn’t be needing any extra motivation for the upcoming game. He will never forget the moments from that game and also said; “I hope that we can create more good memories this Saturday.”

Of course the 28-year-old knows that his team are not in the best form at the moment,. The recent 5-2 home defeat to TSG Hoffenheim was not easy, admits the defender. But the team have to look forwards and learn from their mistakes. “There is a new game ahead of us, which we will be prepared for. We believe in ourselves and will be ready,” promised Stambouli.

Thank the fans with a derby victory

The season has not been easy for both him and the team. Many injuries and many defeats have been difficult to take revealed the Frenchman. “Such hard times can make you stronger,” said Stambouli, whose big aim is to thank the Royal Blue’s supporters with a derby victory for their consistent support. “The fans are always behind us, always supporting us. I really want to give them this victory and to give at least something back.”

Although BVB are currently in second in the table, Stambouli and his team want to take advantage of some weaknesses that they have. “We have to play clever,” said the defender, who expects to be perfectly prepared for the game. Just like one and a half years ago, the Royal Blues want to rejoice. Stambouli said: “To win a derby is the best feeling in the world!”